Connecticut House Bill HB05943

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/13
• Refer: 1/24/13

Caption

An Act Concerning The Votes Required To Approve Budgets And Special Assessments By Common Interest Ownership Communities.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5943 would significantly impact how common interest ownership communities operate in terms of financial governance. By counting only the votes that are cast, the bill aims to prevent situations where an absence of participation from some members can derail the approval of budgets or assessments. This could lead to more efficient governance as communities may find it simpler to meet the required thresholds for financial decision-making. Proponents believe that this change will encourage participation and ensure that communities can effectively manage their resources.

Summary

House Bill 5943 addresses the procedural requirements for budget approvals and special assessments among common interest ownership communities. The bill proposes that only votes that are actually cast be counted towards the totals needed to approve budgets and special assessments. This measure is intended to streamline and clarify the voting process within these communities, making it easier for them to achieve the necessary majority for financial decisions.

Contention

While there is general support for the intent of HB 5943, some concerns have been raised regarding the implications of counting only cast votes. Critics argue that this method may marginalize the voices of members who do not vote, warning that it could lead to a situation where a small number of active participants make decisions on behalf of the entire community. The debate centers around the balance between improving procedural efficiency and ensuring that all community members have a meaningful say in governance.