I reported in last month’s Legislative Update column that one way for association board members and property managers to be prepared to properly discharge their duties is to stay educated and current on the ever-changing laws and regulations affecting the common interest communities they serve. Of course, this preparation is also required of all association professionals, including lawyers, accountants and engineers.
While it is certainly important to rely on association legal counsel for advice in navigating and complying with the various laws and regulations that apply to the daily operation of common interest communities, CAI offers many educational opportunities that also serve as important resources to our board members, property managers and other association professionals.
Speaking of staying informed and competitive, I tuned in to a webinar last month presented by CAI-National’s Government and Public Affairs Office and learned some very interesting factoids. For instance, New Jersey is one of 8 states that has legislation pending dealing with the issue of electric vehicle charging stations; is one of 9 states with legislation pending which proposes licensure of property managers; is one of 7 states with legislation pending dealing with solar panels; and the only state with legislation addressing the nagging issue of “zombie foreclosures”. I’ve also learned that community associations in New Jersey make tremendous contributions to the nation’s economy. In New Jersey approximately 1.37 million people live in 6,800 common interest communities, generating an estimated $1.8 billion dollars in housing-related services. This ranks New Jersey 17th in the nation in this category. Hooray for New Jersey!
One more thing: several members of NJ LAC will be attending CAI’s Advocacy Summit in Washington D.C. on May 8 where we will have the opportunity to meet with our Congressmen and Senators and their staff to ask them to support legislation that benefits our constituents and to oppose legislation which does not. Those legislative and regulatory issues include assessment lien priority, disaster assistance, HAM radio regulation, and hostile environment prevention.
Stay tuned!
