Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB639

Caption

Relating to the operation and management of certain condominium unit owners' associations.

Impact

One of the significant changes introduced by SB639 is the broader inclusion of voting methods for unit owners. This includes the addition of electronic voting and absentee ballots, which are expected to improve accessibility and encourage more active participation among unit owners in elections and decisions regarding the management of their condominium associations. Furthermore, the bill aims to enhance the transparency of association operations by permitting unit owners more straightforward access to financial records and meeting minutes, thus creating a framework for accountability within association governance.

Summary

SB639 addresses the operation and management of certain condominium unit owners' associations in Texas, specifically those whose declarations were recorded prior to January 1, 1994. The bill amends several sections of the Property Code to enhance the governance of condominium associations, particularly by streamlining the voting processes and increasing the rights of unit owners. New provisions include the establishment of electronic voting methods and absentee ballots, which aim to facilitate greater participation in association governance and streamline decision-making processes.

Contention

While the bill seeks to empower unit owners, there may be concerns about the implications of increasing voting methods. Critics argue that electronic voting could lead to challenges in verifying voter identities and ensuring the integrity of the voting process. Additionally, the provision allowing members to vote through various methods, including absentee ballots, could introduce complexities in managing voting tallies and could lead to disputes over election results. Furthermore, the requirement for greater financial transparency also raises questions about the management of sensitive information and the responsibilities of the associations to protect individual privacy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3423

Relating to organization of, meetings of, and voting by condominium unit owners' associations and property owners' associations.

TX SB1767

Relating to organization of, meetings of, and voting by condominium unit owners' associations and property owners' associations.

TX SB1668

Relating to property owners' associations, including condominium owners' associations.

TX HB3503

Relating to property owners' associations, including condominium owners' associations.

TX SB36

Relating to property owners' associations, including condominium owners' associations.

TX SB48

Relating to property owners' associations, including condominium owners' associations.

TX HB1367

Relating to the violation of certain laws and provisions of governing instruments by, and the recall by property owners of, a property owners' association board member.

TX HB3777

Relating to the confidentiality of ballots and proxies in a property owners' association election or vote.

TX HB1252

Relating to the audit of the financial records of certain property owners' associations.

TX HB330

Relating to regulation of residential wind power facilities by property owners' associations.

Similar Bills

TX HB1976

Relating to the operation of property owners' associations.

TX SB1231

Relating to the operation of certain condominium unit owners' associations.

TX HB2075

Relating to the operation of certain condominium unit owners' associations.

TX SB1668

Relating to property owners' associations, including condominium owners' associations.

TX SB1168

Relating to the operation of certain property owners' associations, condominium unit owners' associations, and councils of owners.

TX HB3347

Relating to the operation of property owners' associations.

TX HB3503

Relating to property owners' associations, including condominium owners' associations.