Do Homeowners Associations Violate Free Speech?

"An Assembly committee yesterday approved legislation defining the powers of homeowners associations and condo and co-op boards despite claims it tramples the constitutional rights of 1.2 million residents."

"Assemblyman Wilfredo Caraballo (D-Essex), the sponsor, said his bill is "critical" for New Jerseyans who live under a 'confusing labyrinth' of different laws pertaining to condo and co-op boards, homeowner and lake associations and time-shares."

"Several opponents argued the legislation needed further study in light of a court ruling two weeks ago declaring New Jerseyans do not sign away their constitutional rights by purchasing a home in a community governed by a private association. That state appeals court instructed a trial judge to determine whether rules adopted by the Twin Rivers Homeowners Association in East Windsor violate the free speech rights of its 10,000 residents."