Utah House approves bill tightening HOA rules, allowing rental fees and EV‑charging access

Representative Malloy told the House that Senate Bill 191 would make ‘‘clarity, technical changes, new definitions’’ across homeowners association law and add several substantive limits and permissions for associations.

Malloy said the bill lets associations disqualify a board member based on criminal records ‘‘such as felonies or *** offenders’’ and allows associations with more than 35 percent rental units to charge an annual fee ‘‘up to $250’’ for rental unit owners to cover administrative costs. He also described provisions meant to protect homeowners’ ability to adjust turf strips to conserve water and to bar associations from fining residents for low water use during a drought.

The bill updates registration and renewal pathways with the Department of Commerce for associations subject to the Community Association Act and tightens time limits for actions against boards and board members by setting an 18‑month window for filings. Malloy also told members the measure establishes procedures for electric‑vehicle charging stations that allow associations to regulate placement but not to prohibit charging installations.

Supporters framed the bill as a mix of technical fixes and policy clarifications. Representative Judkins asked whether the rental fee represented an increase; Malloy said the fee is annual and ‘‘I believe is up from $200’’ to $250 to cover higher administrative costs. There was no extended debate and Malloy closed the discussion before the House voted.

The House voted to pass the bill; the reading clerk recorded the final tally as 65 yes votes and 5 no votes. The bill will be returned to the Senate for further consideration.

The House’s action bundles administrative clarifications with new homeowner protections and formalizes a framework for EV charging that sponsors said balances owner rights with association governance.