Dear HOA Reform Members:

Soon, we will be embarking on a new legislative session introducing many HOA-related bills, that we could turn into law in the state of Colorado.

During some of those sessions, our group members will be individually asked to speak, tell their stories, and help design new, realistically applicable, laws.

But, we can't do it without people like Rep. Ricks.

Representative Ricks has been a tireless advocate for our community, consistently demonstrating her unwavering support for HOA-related issues. 

In recognition of her dedication and hard work, I kindly request your assistance in supporting her efforts.

For the 2025 session, she intends to primarily tackle Alternative Dispute Resolutions and Foreclosures but is open to bringing other policies that could help homeowners and curb the impact of abusive HOAs.

Below are the bills Rep. Ricks has run in the past aimed at regulating HOAs: 

HB24-1158: Homeowners' Association Foreclosure Sales Requirements (2024) This bill aimed to reform HOA foreclosure practices by requiring HOAs to notify homeowners about credit counseling before foreclosure, capping attorney fees at $2,500, and expanding restrictions on who could purchase foreclosed units. It also established a minimum initial bid at foreclosure auctions to preserve a portion of the homeowner's equity.

Status: Did not pass.

HB24-1078: Regulation of Community Association Managers (2024) This bill proposed licensure requirements for business entities performing community association management. It required compliance with insurance, education, and criminal background checks and introduced a points-based disciplinary system. The licensure program was scheduled for a sunset review by 2029.

Status: Did not pass.

HB22-1137: Homeowners' Association Board Accountability And Transparency (2022) This bill increased HOA transparency and accountability, requiring multiple forms of communication before legal action, prohibiting daily late fees, capping interest rates at 8%, and mandating cure periods for non-safety-related violations. It also restricted foreclosures without repayment plans and allowed claims in small claims court for amounts under $7,500.

Status: Passed and became law.

HB21-1229: Home Owners' Associations Governance Funding Record Keeping (2021) This bill enhanced HOA transparency by requiring the maintenance of accessible records such as fees, financial statements, and meeting minutes. It imposed fines for failure to provide records within 30 days and required HOAs to allow renewable energy devices and drought-tolerant landscaping, subject to reasonable guidelines.

Status: Passed and became law.

Representative Ricks has consistently shown up for us, and it is now our turn to show up for her. 

Please consider extending your support in any way you can.
 

I asked her aide how we could help, and below is her message:

"Any donations to her campaign or volunteers willing to help out with door-knocking and phone banking would be very helpful. Her donation link can be found HERE or on her website, and if anyone is interested in volunteering, just have them email me and I will put them in touch with the campaign manager."

Thank you for all your tireless efforts toward HOA reform and representation in the state of Colorado.

Any support you can offer our fearless HOA lawmaker would be greatly appreciated by me and many other homeowners she has been tirelessly working hard for.

It's also time to come together again.

Soon, we will be involved in an HOA Reform Town Hall.

More event details will be forthcoming after the election.

The purpose of the town hall is to gather community input on potential changes to the Colorado Homeowners Association's laws in Colorado. 

It provides a platform for residents to voice their concerns, share ideas, and collaborate on creating a more effective and fair governance structure. 

This meeting aims to ensure that HOAs better serve the needs and interests of all community members.

Let's prepare to unite again for the upcoming HOA Reform Town Hall, with more details to follow after the election.

We will resume our Monday night meetings, with our first topic covering disability rights and HOAs.

Attending this meeting will provide valuable insights into how HOAs can be more inclusive and supportive of residents with disabilities. 

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, share their experiences, and contribute to meaningful change. 

Plus, these gatherings offer a chance to network with fellow residents and experts in the field.

Please watch for those invitations, and more, in the coming weeks.

Thank you,

Wendy Vernon, MPA