Colorado: Governor may veto bill giving owners more rights

Amazingly, some HOAs don't allow owners to speak at meetings or to see financial reports. Senate Bill 100 in Colorado's General Assembly, which would correct that problem and has passed the House, may soon hit Governor Owens' desk. He almost never expresses an opinion about a bill like this until he signs or vetoes it. Lobbyists for HOAs oppose the bill, but I wouldn't, because our HOA is open and fair with our owners. The Rocky Mountain News reports:

Carroll's bill started small after constituents complained to her they couldn't post political signs, xeriscape their lawns or even fly the American flag in their yards because of HOA rules.

But it grew to include due-process rights and the rights to see financial reports.

Opponents argued the bill interferes with private contracts between an association and an individual. A late blitz by HOA lobbyists attempted to exempt resort properties such as Vail from the expansion of homeowner rights.

"It was an 11th-hour gigantic lobby feeding frenzy and it might work," Carroll said at midday Friday.

But a legislative committee rejected attempts to weaken the bill, and the House voted 37 to 27 later Friday to approve the stronger version.

Update: The governor may veto vetoe the bill.