While infrequent, every now and then a State Representative introduces proposed legislation that makes no sense and is totally adverse to the best interests of Ohio community associations. Unfortunately, Representative Ted Celeste has just introduced such legislation as Ohio House Bill 574. This proposed law would:

• Require all property managers to have a real estate broker’s license
• Require owners to approve of the association’s annual budget
• Require board members to register their names with the State
• Require every association to register with the State and pay an application fee that may be raised by the Division of Real Estate
• Create a Statewide dispute resolution board and give this board significant power to override the association’s board decision
• Create a State agency to hear and resolve owner complaints

Fortunately, this legislation was introduced during the summer recess and the current legislative session ends at the end of 2012. We encourage Board members and property managers to contact Representative Ted Celeste along with Minority Leader Armond Budish at 77 South High Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215 and indicate your opposition to this proposed law.

A copy of the proposed legislation can be found here:  http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_HB_574