Georgia's HB 261, a leasing bill, was introduced at the beginning of February. As introduced, this legislation would, among other things, provide for changes to the limitations on amendments to covenants running with land. It was assigned to the House Committee on Judiciary.

Confirmation That Grassroots Works

Many industry members contacted their legislators in opposition to HB 261 because it prohibited members of community associations to determine the number of homes that could be rented, or any other requirement (i.e. minimum lease). Constituents—CAI members and homeowners—questioned whether this bill represented good governance, especially since it is not practical to get a 100 percent agreement for an association decision to be made.

Representative Bobby Reese (R-98) offered a response to those who contacted him about this legislation:

HB 261 was pulled off the committee calendar ... after the bill's intent was questioned. The bill had unintended consequences that the author said she did not foresee. I personally took my name off the bill after several points were brought to my attention. I will keep a close eye on the bill and do what I can to make sure it doesn't move. Thanks for your email and attention to this bad piece of legislation.

George Nowack, Esq. (Georgia LAC Delegate) met with the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee before the Committee's scheduled hearing. Committee Chairman Wendell Willard let Mr. Nowack know that he had heard from the members of the Judiciary Committee and other Representatives because they had received hundreds of emails from their constituents opposing HB 261. As a result, Chairman Willard agreed to pull HB 261 from the agenda, and it never went before the Committee for a discussion or a vote.

Mike Zenner, Georgia LAC Chair, acknowledged members' involvement in affecting a change regarding this legislation: "Your overwhelming emails to your Representatives and the members of the Judiciary Committee caused the Committee to realize that the Bill should not even be considered. Again, thank you for your outstanding efforts in responding to our call to action."

As a follow-up to their initial contact with their legislators, Georgia members have been asked to thank those they contacted, expressing appreciation for legislators' time in listening to concerns about this legislation.

For information about this and other Georgia legislation, please contact Mike Zenner, LAC Chair, at .