Senator Dave Min’s Homeowner Associations Bill Clears State Senate

Senator Dave Min’s Homeowner Associations Bill Clears State Senate 

SB 391 allows community interest developments to hold meetings by phone or video conference during emergencies.

SACRAMENTO, CA — Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) announced his Senate Bill (SB) 391 advanced out of its house of origin this week. The bill allows common interest developments (such as HOAs) to meet remotely by videoconference or teleconference during states of emergency and passed the State Senate.

“We are one step closer to getting this common-sense legislation allowing HOA members to meet remotely signed into law,” Min said. “Our community association and HOA board members are committed to the improvement of our neighborhoods, and they do this on an entirely voluntary basis. This legislation provides a common-sense solution allowing remote meetings when HOAs are confronted with emergency situations that make in-person business impracticable or dangerous, as we have seen this past year with the pandemic and a series of wildfires.”

California’s recent emergencies and natural disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires, have made in-person meetings impermissible or impracticable. Under current law, even under these circumstances, common interest developments are required to conduct their business in person. SB 391, which was recently named one of the five best new proposals for HOAs, codifies the ability to meet virtually in the event of future emergencies.

This bill is supported by various groups including the California Association of Community Managers, the Community Associations Institute and Habitat for Humanity. 

The final vote count was 35-1.