The news conference unveiling the HOA and Common Interest Community reform legislation to “rein in HOA rules” is available online. The entire cadre of Minnesota Legislative Work Group members, spearheaded by Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL) of Maple Grove, were present for the conference, with Bahner providing the opening remarks.

After a few lofty comments about HOAs being “well run by volunteer board leaders” and the explosion of HOA buildouts, she cited that “82 percent of new homes are situated in an HOA” but “our laws have simply not kept pace.”

Beginning with the opening comments, and indeed throughout the news conference, the tone and spirit of their presentation went decidedly anti-HOA.

Representative Bahner stated: The reality of many is escalating costs for monthly dues, special assessment for repairs, outrageous restrictions by boards run amuck, escalating fines and fees, often for minor infractions leading to foreclose or residents forced to sell when their affordable housing is no longer affordable.

Eric Lucero (R), a real estate agent and Republican lead on the state Senate Housing Committee, was second to appear on the conference, and provided pointed testimony regarding “trash can violations” and re-roofing shenanigans that have been in the news.

Representative Bahner went on to say that the new bill that as unveiled “was created through the guiding principles creating a standard of reasonableness, fairness, transparency, [and] clarity with an eye toward fostering opportunity for affordability for residents.”

You can watch the whole 26 minutes here.