2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION WUCIOA for All


By Hilary Bublitz, CMCA, AMS, Chair of WSCAI’s Legislative Action Committee


A


s expected in this session, SB 5796 (WUCIOA for All) has been the LAC’s main focus this year. When Senator


 communities under one statute, the LAC could see pros and cons for our members. After much discussion, we realized that to serve our members best, we had to ensure we were part of the process by participating in negotiations from the beginning. Opposing the bill without engaging in negotiations  board members who donate their time and energy to promote well-run communities.


Fortunately, a few wonderful attorneys stepped up and formed the Attorney Advisory Committee to help the LAC with this task. Theresa Torgesen, who worked extensively on the original WUCIOA legislation, heads up the attorney advisory committee. Joshua Rosentein (Hanson Baker), Brian McLean (Agynbyte), Hugh Lewis (Toad Hill Consulting), Jennifer Hill (Rose Hill Firm), and Terry Leahy (Leahy Legal Consulting) round out the committee. The LAC is very appreciative of the hours of work they have contributed to the cause.


Every piece of legislation requires a delicate balance of give and take.


No piece of legislation is perfect, and every piece of legislation requires a delicate balance of give and take to cross the  Committee, and lobbyist Krystelle Purkey, are committed to  and their current and future residents as possible.


Concerns Raised


On Thursday, January 18, the Senate Law & Justice  heard several concerns mentioned at this hearing that we   of updating existing governing documents when SB 5796 becomes law.


Under current law, condominium owners must provide the  provide something similar called an HOA or Escrow Demand document but are not currently required to complete resale 


sale process as they provide owner contact information for the association that governs the property and informs the new owner  how to access the association’s governing documents, budget, reserve information, etc.  to all homeowner associations will help new residents understand that a homeowner's association governs the house they are purchasing before the sale closes. This is a best practice for both the homeowner and the association. The House Legislature added an amendment to SB 5796, allowing  amendment was not concurred upon in the Senate, so the House once again received the Senate version of the bill and, on Wednesday, March 6, voted to pass SB 5796 without the 


State statutes do not address ballot 


 the January hearing. It is important to note that current state  voting and require associations to make ballots available to owners for inspection and copying. During the January 25th Executive Session of the Senate Law & Justice Committee, the committee added an amendment to SB 5796, which provides for voting conducted by secret ballot for:  Board member elections  Board member removals  Amendments to the Declaration or Governing Documents  Amendment to the Declaration for the reallocation of a common element as a limited common element


The Next Challenge


Now that SB 5796 has passed, the next challenge will be for associations to amend their governing documents  compliance with the new law. We must grapple with this challenge to ensure community associations and their residents are not unduly burdened. The LAC agrees that it is important to identify viable alternatives for associations  lengthy process often required to amend and record their governing documents.


SB 5796 becomes effective on January 1, 2028, giving everyone more time to prepare for these updates. The LAC will continue working with our legislators and communities to provide the necessary education and tools to meet this challenge. The 2024 Legislative Session has ended, and the LAC continues working for our community associations and residents. Please continue to submit your questions and concerns to our email address, LAC@WSCAI.org.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32