HB 1174

Enacts new GS 114-8.8 requiring the Department of Justice (DOJ) to receive and record complaints and concerning disputes between unit/lot owner associations and their members. Allows complaints to be submitted via phone, mail, or online; sets out the information that DOJ must collect when it receives a complaint. Requires DOJ to provide a copy of the complaint to the party complained against and to allow them to respond. Requires DOJ to post the following on their website: (1) information on the process to submit complaints; (2) information about the laws governing associations; (3) general information about roles, rights, and responsibilities of associations of unit owners and lot owners, their members, and other related parties; (4) summary report of complaints on the DOJ website that is publicly accessible, and searchable; and (5) an executive summary of the previous reporting year’s complaints, including specified items. Requires DOJ to submit an annual report to the specified NCGA committees and division and publish the report on its website; sets out what must be included in the report. Prohibits DOJ from (1) promulgating regulations or issuing guidelines concerning the administration, governance, or governing documents of associations of unit owners or lot owners and from (2) serving as an arbiter in disputes between an association of unit owners or lot owners and its members.