Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 687

Bill Title: Courts - Nonprofit Associations and Homeowners Associations - Standing

Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Brochin

Subject: Environment & Energy

Committee: JPR

Bill Summary: This Bill would authorize a nonprofit or homeowners' association with at least 25 adult dues paying members members to have standing in court proceedings if at least one member of the association alleges or shows proof that they are an individually named party in the case, and the interest the association seeks to protect are germane to its purposes.

History: None

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: This legislation would expand the standing requirement to allow community or home owners' associations to assert the same rights as an aggrieved party, when no special harm exists. Passage of this legislation would be contrary to long-established common law in Maryland and could have had a meaningful impact on businesses seeking to expand their facilities, including such municipal projects involving hospitals and schools. Passage of this legislation could also resul in an increased workload for the judicial branch, as these associations are allowed to continue their opposition to a project even after an aggrieved party has dropped his/her opposition in the matter.

For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber opposes this legislation.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.