Connecticut Senate Bill SB00492

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/17
• Refer: 1/20/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Access To Records Maintained By Condominium Associations And Common Interest Communities.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB00492 would amend current statutes, specifically chapters 825 and 828, which outline the governance of condominium associations and common interest communities. By officially permitting unit owners to access such records, the bill significantly alters the balance of power between unit owners and management. This could lead to increased involvement of residents in community affairs, as they would have the necessary information to engage more critically and constructively in discussions concerning community governance and expenditures.

Summary

SB00492 is a legislative act aimed at enhancing the transparency and accessibility of records maintained by condominium associations and common interest communities in the state. The bill allows any unit owner, or their authorized agents, to gain access to specific records, notably the salaries of association employees and payments made to vendors or contractors for services rendered. This initiative is designed to empower unit owners by providing them with clearer insight into the financial operations of their communities, potentially fostering a greater sense of accountability among association leadership.

Contention

While supporters of SB00492 emphasize the importance of transparency and the need for residents to be well-informed stakeholders, there may be concerns regarding confidentiality and privacy. Detractors could argue that revealing employee salaries and vendor payments might cause division within communities or deter potential vendors from engaging with associations due to perceived scrutiny or backlash. Additionally, there could be apprehensions about how such laws might be implemented and whether they would lead to disputes over access and rights to the information, potentially overwhelming associations that may not have adequate resources to handle increased documentation requests.