HB 1645-FN establishes a condominium dispute resolution board in New Hampshire. The board will be responsible for resolving disputes between condominium associations and unit owners. It will have jurisdiction over complaints related to violations of condominium instruments or the condominium act, such as failure to follow declaration and bylaws or proper voting procedures. The board will consist of members appointed by the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the New Hampshire Bar Association. Decisions made by the board can be appealed to the superior court. The bill also amends RSA 310:2 to include the administration of the condominium dispute resolution board under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable. The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification estimates that they would need four new positions, including a board administrator, investigator, prosecutor, and hearings officer, at a cost of $374,000 in FY 2025, $388,000 in FY 2026, and $400,000 in FY 2027. The bill also introduces a new $250 filing fee for complaints filed with the board, but the revenue impact is unknown. The Department of Justice raises concerns about the board's authority, jurisdiction, and enforcement measures, as well as the impact on their budgets. The bill also provides for civil remedies, but the number of actions and associated costs are unknown.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 310:2