The following article was written by Phoebe E. Neseth, Esq. of Community Associations Institute on Sep 29, 2022 and comes recommended by our Senior Partner Charlie Perkins:
I joined 10 members of the CAI New Jersey Legislative Action Committee (LACs) in Trenton this week to lobby state legislators to support condominium safety and other community association related legislation. CAI’s LACs monitor state legislation, educate lawmakers, and protect the interests of those living and working in community associations. Each committee is comprised of homeowner leaders, community managers, and community association business partners who graciously volunteer their time.
Currently, New Jersey is in the first of a two-year legislative session, and several dozen bills were introduced to date impacting the approximately 1,459,000 New Jerseyites living in 545,000 homes in nearly 7,000 community associations in New Jersey. At the forefront of this week’s CAI New Jersey Lobby Day is legislation introduced on behalf of the NJ LAC on condominium safety. The bill addresses both reserve studies and funding and structural integrity and building inspections.
In June 2022, S2760/A4384 was introduced with the assistance of the NJ LAC. The bill concerns structural integrity regulations for certain residential buildings. The LAC worked closely with bill sponsors to draft this legislation that addresses reserves and building inspections and uses public policy recommendations from CAI’s Condominium Safety Public Policy Report as a roadmap.
This week, New Jersey’s Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee heard S2760, and 10 CAI LAC members are attending the lobby day and Edward San George, PCAM; Mitchell Frumkin, RS; and J. David Ramsey, Esq. testified in favor and as experts on the topic. Their expert testimony led to the bill being successfully voted out of committee just after noon. The bill’s main sponsor and legislative champion, State Sen. Troy Singleton, is chair of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. NJ LAC members attended this hearing in support of the legislation. Learn more about details of this legislation here.
Since the Surfside tragedy, nine states introduced reserve study and funding legislation. Florida, Illinois, and Maryland passed initiatives. Four states considered building inspection and structural integrity legislation, with Florida passing new regulations. CAI is hopeful with the hard work and dedication of the NJ LAC, New Jersey will be added to the list of states passing updated regulations.
NJ LAC members also held meetings with state senators and assembly members to educate staff and share industry expertise on other legislation impacting community associations including accessory dwelling units, board member training, licensure of community association managers, and the importance of access to association documents.
It is critical for CAI’s LACs to connect with their state legislators and local elected officials throughout the calendar year. Education is key when it comes to successful advocacy efforts within each state capitol. Learn more about how you can connect with your elected officials today through CAI’s Take Action Center.