House Bill 233 proposes a framework for transferring title of open spaces, parks, or similar common-use areas in recorded final plats to homeowners' associations (HOAs) under specific conditions. The bill allows an HOA to petition the governing body for this transfer after a final subdivision plat is recorded, provided the HOA is organized according to its covenants, is responsible for maintaining the designated areas, and it is established that the original subdivider intended for the HOA to own these spaces. The property in question must not be owned by an individual, and the petition must be signed by an authorized representative of the HOA, with a public hearing required before the governing body makes a decision.

In addition to these provisions, the bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to update definitions and clarify the roles of governing bodies and HOAs. Notably, the definition of a homeowners' association is expanded to include formal governance by covenants and the ability to impose assessments that may become liens on members' properties. The bill establishes an immediate effective date and retroactive applicability to final subdivision plats recorded on or after October 1, 1973, ensuring that the changes can be implemented promptly to enhance the management and maintenance of common areas for community benefit.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_1(1): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_1(2): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_1(3): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_1(4): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_1(5): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_1(6): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_1(7): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_1: 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_2(1): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_2(2): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_2(3): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_2(4): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_2(5): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_2(6): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_2(7): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_2(8): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_2(9): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_2: 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_3(1): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_3(10): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_3(2): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_3(3): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_3(4): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_3(5): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_3(6): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_3(7): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_3(8): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_3(9): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_3: 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X(1): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X(10): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X(11): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X(12): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X(2): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X(3): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X(4): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X(5): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X(6): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X(7): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X(8): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X(9): 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411
HB0233_X: 76-3-103, 76-8-101, 76-25-103, 76-25-411