By Charles Swenson
Coastal Observer — Posted January 9, 2015
Area property owners associations opposed a bill that would have allowed the state to collect a fee to handle disputes between the groups and their members. Instead of money, a new bill would require association board members to spend time learning about their responsibilities.
State Sen. Luke Rankin of Horry County prefiled a bill that would create the S.C. Common Interest Community Association Act to regulate groups whose membership is mandated by property deeds. A commission of property managers and association board members would create educational requirements for managers and board members. New board members would have 30 days after their election to complete a four-hour orientation program. They would have to take at least an hour of continuing education each year.
The act also sets rules for meeting notices, access to documents and the conduct of meetings that follow the state’s Freedom of Information Act.