HOATalkNews (Other)
Posts: 4
Posts: 4
Posted:
Within six days of each other in May 2026, Georgia and Minnesota each signed sweeping new HOA laws — the two most prominent state "Owners' Bills of Rights" so far this year, though they took notably different approaches.
Georgia (signed May 12, 2026): The Property Owners' Bill of Rights Act creates a new state complaint system — HOAs must register with the Secretary of State, and owners can file complaints that a hearing officer investigates, which automatically pauses collection on the disputed fine. The foreclosure minimum roughly doubles, to $4,000 (or 12 months of assessments). Attorney's-fee limits started July 1, 2026; registration and the complaint process take effect January 1, 2027.
Minnesota (signed May 18, 2026): Rather than a new agency, SF 1750 rewrites rights directly into the state's existing Common Interest Ownership Act: fines capped at $100 per violation, competitive bidding required on contracts over $50,000, and the threshold to dissolve certain communities lowered from 80% to 67%. Most provisions also take effect January 1, 2027.
Georgia's sponsor, State Sen. Donzella James, told WhoWhatWhy she's already fielding "interest from Pennsylvania, Texas, and other states" about similar legislation, though neither has filed a bill yet. Florida tried its own version this year — the House passed a comparable oversight overhaul 108–2, but per Senate records it died in the Rules Committee on March 13, 2026, without a floor vote.
Georgia (signed May 12, 2026): The Property Owners' Bill of Rights Act creates a new state complaint system — HOAs must register with the Secretary of State, and owners can file complaints that a hearing officer investigates, which automatically pauses collection on the disputed fine. The foreclosure minimum roughly doubles, to $4,000 (or 12 months of assessments). Attorney's-fee limits started July 1, 2026; registration and the complaint process take effect January 1, 2027.
Minnesota (signed May 18, 2026): Rather than a new agency, SF 1750 rewrites rights directly into the state's existing Common Interest Ownership Act: fines capped at $100 per violation, competitive bidding required on contracts over $50,000, and the threshold to dissolve certain communities lowered from 80% to 67%. Most provisions also take effect January 1, 2027.
Georgia's sponsor, State Sen. Donzella James, told WhoWhatWhy she's already fielding "interest from Pennsylvania, Texas, and other states" about similar legislation, though neither has filed a bill yet. Florida tried its own version this year — the House passed a comparable oversight overhaul 108–2, but per Senate records it died in the Rules Committee on March 13, 2026, without a floor vote.
Discussion Starter:
Would a law modeled on Georgia's or Minnesota's change anything for your community — or does your state need a different fix?
Would a law modeled on Georgia's or Minnesota's change anything for your community — or does your state need a different fix?
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Sources: Georgia SB 406, signed bill text Governor's Office; Minnesota 2026 Session Laws, Chapter 82 / SF 1750 Office of the Revisor of Statutes; Atlanta News First (Georgia signing coverage); WhoWhatWhy (multi-state interest); Florida House Bill 657 status Florida Senate.
For general information only; not legal, financial, or professional advice. See our Terms.
Sources: Georgia SB 406, signed bill text Governor's Office; Minnesota 2026 Session Laws, Chapter 82 / SF 1750 Office of the Revisor of Statutes; Atlanta News First (Georgia signing coverage); WhoWhatWhy (multi-state interest); Florida House Bill 657 status Florida Senate.
For general information only; not legal, financial, or professional advice. See our Terms.