House Bill 5168, as amended by House Amendments "A" and "C," modifies the general statutes concerning common interest communities, such as condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities. The bill changes the assessment frequency from "at least annually" to "not less than annually" and permits interest charges on overdue assessments up to 18% per year. It introduces a provision allowing for the assessment of increased common expenses due to a unit owner's additions or improvements to be charged solely to that owner's unit. The bill also prohibits associations from unreasonably restricting the installation or use of solar power generating systems on single-family detached units, effective January 1, 2025. It outlines the approval process for solar installations, including timeframes for the executive board to respond to applications and the requirement for unit owners to enter into a written agreement with the association, covering all costs and complying with applicable regulations.

Furthermore, the bill details the responsibilities of unit owners who install solar power systems, including maintenance, repair, and indemnification of the association for damages. Associations have the option to opt out of these provisions with a 75% affirmative board vote before January 1, 2027, and must record their decision in the land records. The bill repeals sections of the statutes that previously prohibited associations from banning solar panel installations on unit roofs. The effective dates are October 1, 2024, for the assessment changes, and January 1, 2025, for the solar power system provisions. The bill may result in minimal revenue gain for municipalities from permit fees related to solar panel installations starting in FY 25. House Amendment "C" specifically excludes cooperatives from the solar panel provisions for single-family detached units, while House Amendment "A" addresses the approval process and conditions for removal of solar panels upon the sale of a unit.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 47-257
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 47-257
File No. 225: 47-257
JUD Joint Favorable: 47-257
File No. 602: 47-257