Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF518

Introduced
3/6/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to access by certain entities to specific records and documents maintained by a unit owners association.(Formerly SF 44.)

Impact

Under SF518, unit owners associations are required to make available several key documents within ten business days of a request. This includes organizational documents, bylaws, rules, and minutes from meetings, along with any pertinent financial reports. The ability to access these records is seen as a significant step towards enhancing governance within these associations, empowering unit owners with critical information about the operations and decisions impacting their community. The bill also permits associations to charge a fee for the provision of such records, though this fee is limited to the actual cost of production or reproduction.

Summary

Senate File 518, introduced by the Committee on Commerce, pertains to the access that certain entities, particularly unit owners and their authorized agents, have to specific records and documents maintained by unit owners associations. The bill amends existing laws regarding the governance of common interest communities, which include various forms such as planned communities and cooperatives. By stipulating that these associations must provide access to crucial documents, SF518 promotes transparency and accountability among governance bodies of such communities.

Contention

Discussions around SF518 have highlighted a mix of support and concern. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for fostering an environment where unit owners can hold their associations accountable, thus contributing to better management and community relations. However, some opponents express skepticism about the implications of fees associated with document access, fearing that it could place a burden on unit owners seeking information. They contend that while transparency is crucial, access to documents should be entirely free to ensure equitable access for all unit owners, regardless of their financial situation.

Companion Bills

IA SF44

Similar To A bill for an act relating to access to unit owners associations' financial information and meeting minutes.(See SF 518.)

IA HF432

Similar To A bill for an act relating to access by certain entities to specific records and documents maintained by a unit owners association. (Formerly HSB 158.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HSB158

Related A bill for an act relating to access to unit owners associations' financial information and meeting minutes.(See HF 432.)

Previously Filed As

IA HB06350

An Act Requiring Accessibility Of Records To Unit Owners In Common Interest Community Associations.

IA SF2448

A bill for an act relating to residential real estate, including access to records of unit owners associations and the disclosure of home inspection information. (Formerly SSB 3144.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.

IA SB711

Relating to property owners' associations, including condominium unit owners' associations.

IA HB1349

Relating to property owners' associations, including condominium unit owners' associations.

IA SF578

A bill for an act relating to record access by members of certain special districts and associations providing utility service.(Formerly SF 169.)

IA SSB3144

A bill for an act relating to residential real estate, including access to records of unit owners associations and the disclosure of home inspection information.(See SF 2448.)

IA HF947

A bill for an act relating to county and city regulation of accessory dwelling units.(Formerly HSB 162.)

IA HSB748

A bill for an act relating to residential real estate, including access to records of unit owners associations and the disclosure of home inspection information.

IA HF2252

A bill for an act relating to county and city regulation of accessory dwelling units.(Formerly HSB 618.)

IA SB315

Property Owners' Associations; property owners' associations to provide disclosures and certain documents before a lot sale closes; require

Similar Bills

CA SB401

Political Reform Act of 1974: filing deadlines: emergency situations.

DE HB469

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE IN REGARD TO THE OFFICE OF THE COMMON INTEREST COMMUNITY OMBUDSPERSON.

MI HB4524

Property: recording; marketable record title act; revise. Amends title & secs. 1, 1a, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 8 of 1945 PA 200 (MCL 565.101 et seq.) & adds sec. 5a.

VA HB2750

Common interest communities; termination of certain management contracts.

VA HB2292

Common interest communities; termination of certain management contracts.

CA AB1398

Workers’ compensation.

IA HF2531

A bill for an act relating to interests in minerals owned by counties and cities, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 2213.)

CA AB1029

An act to amend, repeal, and add Section 82034, 87206, 87302, and 87350 of the Government Code, relating to the Political Reform Act of 1974.