Lawmakers pass bill to give residents new rights against HOAs

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Among the more popular bills state lawmakers passed this session was a measure that would make it more difficult for homeowners' associations to foreclose on members' homes over financial disputes.

Among other provisions, it would establish a hearing process for HOA members to challenge their associations' decisions.

Caroline Simmons has been in a long-running dispute with her metro Atlanta HOA over the cost of new water meters.

"This bill will help people because they will have somewhere else to go other than the courts," Simmons said, adding that courts can cost $350 for an attorney per hour. "It's not free, but [the bill] gives us some place to go and have our dispute heard and a process that is not going to cost us thousands of dollars."

The bill passed with broad bipartisan support and is waiting for Gov. Brian Kemp's signature by May 12.