Bill would require homeowner approval for nonessential HOA expenditures over $1,000, sponsor says

Delegate Kim Ross told the Economic Matters Committee that House Bill 15-77 is intended to share decision‑making power with homeowners when homeowners, rather than boards, will bear the cost of discretionary upgrades. The bill would maintain board authority for safety‑related, maintenance, repair and code‑required work but require member approval for alterations in excess of $1,000.

Ross said the change is narrow and targeted at nonessential, high‑cost projects — "the fancy, smancy, luxury, high‑end items" that can saddle homeowners with unexpected assessments — and that the bill would leave essential repairs and maintenance untouched. She described multiple means for associations to obtain member approval (mail, survey, email, in‑person) to avoid undue administrative burden.

The sponsor said the measure reflects concerns about board fiscal responsibility, irregular elections in some communities, and the rising cost of living. Committee members did not ask substantive technical questions at the hearing and there were no recorded opponents on the panel that day.

If the committee advances the measure, it would change the decision‑making threshold for many HOAs while preserving exceptions for repairs and code compliance.