This bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance regulations surrounding common interest communities, particularly focusing on the installation and use of electric vehicle charging stations and heat pumps. It prohibits unit owners' associations from imposing unreasonable restrictions on these installations while allowing for reasonable regulations. The bill outlines a clear process for obtaining approval, including requirements for written applications and processing timelines, and it specifies that associations cannot charge fees for installations but may impose reasonable application processing fees. Additionally, it clarifies the responsibilities of unit owners regarding maintenance and costs associated with these systems, while introducing penalties for associations that violate these provisions.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing laws related to reserve studies and financial statements for associations, establishing that certain chapters will only apply to common interest communities created after July 1, 2018, or those that opt into the chapter. It mandates that associations prepare and update reserve studies unless exempted and requires annual financial statements, with audits for those with higher annual assessments. The threshold for audit requirements is adjusted from $50,000 to $100,000, and the bill includes provisions for adjusting specified dollar amounts based on the consumer price index to maintain relevance over time. Notably, the bill deletes previous language regarding responsibilities for electric vehicle charging stations and heat pumps while inserting new language to clarify the obligations of unit owners and associations.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 64.90.015, 64.90.513, 64.90.580, 64.90.360, 64.90.545
Substitute bill: 64.90.015, 64.90.513, 64.90.580, 64.90.360, 64.90.545, 64.90.530, 64.90.535