HB 1612 – Special local improvement assessment districts; authorize municipalities to create

HB 1612 was introduced by Representative Baker on February 13, 2019.  This bill would authorize municipalities to create special improvement assessment districts in areas administered by homeowner associations (an “HOA”). If passed, HOAs would be authorized to levy up to 6 mills of property tax (the amount per $1,000 of assessed value of the property) to fund parks, sidewalks, streets, landscaping, lighting, fountains, security enhancements such as gates and cameras, and even the hiring of private security services. Before an HOA could impose such a tax, they would have to hold a public hearing, meet certain advertising requirements, and be approved by at least 60 percent of the affected property owners before a district could be authorized.

The bill passed the House 93-22 on February 28 after failing to get a two-thirds majority on its first pass on the floor. The bill was transmitted to the Senate on March 4, but has not yet been referred to a Senate committee.

To learn more, read the bill!

A similar bill – HB 1157 – was sponsored by Rep. Credell Calhoun. HB 1157 would only apply to HOAs in the Jackson city limits.  It was referred to the Local and Private Legislation committee in the House on January 21 and remains active.

To learn more, read the bill!