ARIZONA LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE The 2010 Legislative Session has begun, meaning CAI's Arizona Legislative Action Committee (LAC) is in full motion.  The LAC is a state-wide organization devoted to promoting positive, balanced legislation and preventing bad bills from becoming law. Over the past several years, we have seen hundreds of bills pertaining to HOAs and community associations introduced into the legislature.  Most of the bills introduced would have had a negative impact on associations and their ability to operate in accordance with the community documents.  Unfortunately, the trend is continuing.  Already this year, legislation has been introduced that would have a sweeping impact on many associations’ ability to control easement areas such as roadways, parks, retention basins and other common areas.  It is impossible for the volunteers serving on the LAC to adequately track the numerous bills introduced each year pertaining to HOAs and community associations without the assistance of a lobbyist.  A lobbyist helps ensure any new laws regarding associations are good for the associations and their members.  In the past we have been able to succeed in defeating a large portion of the flawed legislation with the assistance of hundreds of volunteer hours by members of the LAC, coupled with the expertise of our lobbyist.  Examples of successes in the past include the following bills that did not pass as a result of the LAC and our lobbyist: Numerous “foreclosure” bills that would limit and/or eliminate an association’s right to foreclose  “Tin foil on windows” bills that would prohibit an association from restricting an owner from putting up any kind of sunscreen, including tin foil Bills that would  prevent associations from amending documents as to certain owners involved in litigation The list goes on and on.  To continue our success, we need your support.  We are asking that our community association members help us to help Arizona’s communities by becoming a Community Involvement Partner and donating a minimum of $1.00 per door toward our efforts.  For example, if your community has 50 homes, we would ask that you donate a minimum of $50.00.  These donations go directly to, and exclusively for, Legislative Action endeavors. Of course, if a particular community association’s governing documents prohibit such a donation, then we simply seek your support and willingness to become involved in the issues and we encourage you to forward this message to each of your owners in the hope that they may choose to make a personal donation. We also encourage our Business Partners and Management Companies to get involved in this important aspect of our industry.  Your companies thrive because Community Associations remain strong and vital and you can help keep them that way.  We encourage business entities to consider becoming a Corporate Community Sponsor. In addition, we need to continue to develop our Community based program to be a truly successful movement. The community must prove that they speak for the majority of those who live in Community Associations; we need your assistance.  At a minimum, please fill out your contact information so we can improve and update our grassroots database and get you involved in our Community Action Programs.  So far this year, we have been successful at working with legislators and other interested parties and have not had to do any of our Calls for Action.  We hope this trend continues, but we need to be prepared to act when necessary. We have included a review of the ways to donate and get involved, and a donation form.  Please feel free to contact the Arizona LAC at the number or email listed below sent c/o Arizona LAC if you have any questions.  Thank you for your time and support!                                                                   Arizona Legislation Action Committee

Do you want to get involved? Do you want to make a difference in your community? Register Now to become a part of CAI's Arizona LAC Communty Action Team. Would your community like to host a "Community Outreach" Event? This is an opportunity to have one of your legislators come to your community and discuss issues with your residents. If so click here to learn more and sign up. Sign up to become a Community Involvement Partner or Sponsor today!