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Bill to let condominium boards hold remote meetings draws broad support
Summary
Rep. Janet Lucas told the committee HB 13‑43 would let condominium governing bodies meet remotely or hybrid and satisfy quorum electronically; attorneys and condo leaders said it would help seasonal and disabled owners participate and prevent lawsuits and delays.
Representative Janet Lucas (Grafton County District 7) introduced HB 13‑43 to permit governing bodies of unit owners (condominium associations) to hold regularly scheduled and special meetings by telephone, video or other interactive electronic means, and to allow remote presence to count toward quorum and voting.
"This bill will allow owners who are unable to travel those long distances to attend them remotely," Lucas said, noting the importance for seasonal residents, owners with disabilities and emergency situations such as storm damage.
Attorney Robert Ducharme, who said he represents hundreds of condominium associations across the state, supported the bill and urged giving boards discretion to adopt remote meetings rather than mandating them; he argued proxies do not enable discussion and that remote options have improved participation in associations that have adopted them. Condo board presidents and association members described practical barriers to in‑person attendance and said remote participation increases owner engagement and reduces delays in important business.
Committee members raised concerns about process control, telephone‑only participation (which lacks visual tools), and the role of directed proxies; witnesses and the sponsor responded that the bill is designed to expand options while leaving adoption to local governance. Several witnesses urged the committee to preserve municipal and association discretion and to craft clear rules for quorums, voting and technology.
