CHARM Maryland strives to submit a position statement at the Maryland General Assembly website as the hearing for a bill is scheduled. There is only a two-day window for doing so. We encourage readers to submit their own testimonies, written or spoken. How to do that is described in this 3-page PDF, provided by the Economic Matters Committee of the House.

 

CHARM Maryland, in furtherance of our Vision and Mission, 
OPPOSES
SB332 "Master Insurance Deductible"

This bill is not in the best interest of homeowners living in condo associations because it increases their out-of-pocket expenses, goes down slippery slope of additional costs, and we don’t support the state requiring any level of insurance.​

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CHARM Maryland, in furtherance of our Vision and Mission, 

STRONGLY SUPPORTS

HB402 “Common Ownership Communities – Ombudsman Unit, Governing Document Database, and Local Commissions”

A state-level Ombudsman Unit is urgently needed to look out for homeowners’ interests in common ownership communities (COCs), especially for homeowners living in Maryland counties that do not currently have a local commission to oversee resolution of problems and/or disputes. A state Ombudsman Unit will serve an essential function by collecting information, reviewing complaints, centralizing collection of COC governing documents, and reporting regularly to the Maryland Legislature and general public. Until this legislation is fully implemented in all Maryland counties, a clarification may be needed stating that the Ombudsman Unit can assist the OAG to investigate in a dispute if there is no local commission to perform an investigation.

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CHARM Maryland, in furtherance of our Vision and Mission, 
OPPOSES
HB405 “Condominiums and Homeowners Associations – Governing
Documents – Electric Vehicle Recharging Equipment"                   

This bill is not necessary and is in conflict with existing law (Real Property Article 11-109.2(f)). It undermines the authority of the council of unit owners. Many common ownership communities in Maryland already have installed EV recharging equipment successfully.

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CHARM Maryland, in furtherance of our Vision and Mission,

OPPOSES
HB453 "Grants to Seniors"

Although we support the concept of state programs to help defray costs for homeowners, there are other condo owners – in addition to seniors – impacted by ever-increasing monthly assessments (e.g., single parents, low-income families). We are also concerned with the establishment of a new grants program in the current year due to economic considerations.

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CHARM Maryland, in furtherance of our Vision and Mission, 

STRONGLY OPPOSES

HB469 “Condominiums – Mandatory Insurance Coverage”

This bill is not in the interest of homeowners living in condo associations because it will shift responsibilities and costs of the association onto the shoulder of the individual homeowner, going down a slippery slope of additional homeowner expenses. The one-size-fits-all approach to mandatory insurance coverage does not consider variability in building size, architecture, age of structures, and unique homeowner situation.​

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CHARM Maryland, in furtherance of our Vision and Mission, 

STRONGLY SUPPORTS
HB502 “Real Property – Governing Bodies of Common Ownership
Communities – Member Training”

Because the board of directors in common ownership communities is responsible for safeguarding the fiscal, legal, and overall complex wellbeing of the community ­– including transparent and fair operation of all aspects of the community – compulsory, high-quality training for volunteer directors is essential.​

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