In 2026, CAI is being intentional about celebrating our dedicated advocates and expanding our advocacy network. By highlighting the expansive and impactful grassroots advocacy conducted on behalf of members in legislatures across the country, we can inspire and encourage others who live and/or work in community associations to deepen their involvement. Member advocates across the country act as boots-on-the-ground champions supporting CAI’s public policy positions when issues arise in their state legislatures affecting the community association industry. We are grateful for each and every advocate whose work and continuous dedication strengthen CAI’s impact.
January 2026 Legislative Tracking and Outcomes
In 2026, 46 states plus the District of Columbia will convene for legislative sessions, and at the time of this report, 33 states plus the District of Columbia are in session. Those states are Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington State. North Carolina is still finishing its session started in 2025, with sporadic meetings through April 2026.
At the time of this report, CAI was tracking 2,394 state-level bills,13.7% of which are considered priority bills due to their relationship with CAI’s public policy positions. Review the legislation that CAI is currently tracking here.
Advocacy Overview
In January 2026, CAI launched nine state-level advocacy campaigns. These included:
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- Six direct action campaigns that involve asking advocates to contact their legislators directly about existing or potential legislation.
- Two surveys that involve asking advocates about their experiences regarding some aspect of the community association industry and/or impacts of legislation.
- One petition that involves asking advocates to add their name to a list of CAI members who share a common position on a bill.
Throughout the month, 1,017 CAI advocates participated in these campaigns. Notably, 648 (64%) of these advocates had not previously engaged with a campaign from CAI, demonstrating the effectiveness of the grassroots strategies utilized. The highest concentration of advocates is in Indiana, Florida, and Mississippi.
You can explore and participate in CAI’s active calls to action here.
January 2026 Key State-Level Campaigns
With insight and guidance from advocates, homeowners, and community association industry processionals on-the-ground around the country, CAI launches virtual call-to-action campaigns when legislation that it supports or opposes is moving through the legislative process. These campaigns allow CAI advocates to amplify the voices of the industry, connect directly with elected officials on CAI’s policy positions, and showcase their industry expertise. Here is an overview of three key state-level campaigns we launched in January and the results of this advocacy.
1. Indiana HB 1152 (Oppose)
CAI’s Indiana Legislative Action Committee (IN LAC) is working diligently to oppose legislation that would override a community’s rules and strip boards of the authority needed to properly fund insurance, operations, reserves, repairs, and safety. It would also remove any HOA restrictions on in-home day care facilities.
IN LAC launched a call-to-action campaign on Jan. 13, asking advocates across Indiana to reach out to their state legislators in opposition to HB 1152. On Jan. 23, the campaign was adjusted so that all Hoosiers could contact the members of the state Senate Judiciary Committee after the bill passed the House and was assigned to the committee. Throughout this campaign, IN LAC focused on expanding its reach and garnering support from more Hoosiers, demonstrating the power of grassroots advocacy. At the time of this report, 557 CAI advocates had reached out to their legislators in opposition to this legislation, 516 (93%) of whom had not previously engaged with an advocacy campaign from CAI. As a result, 35 Indiana state elected officials received messages from CAI advocates opposing HB 1152.
IN LAC met with the chair of the state Senate Judiciary Committee in early February and testified against the bill at a hearing later the same week.
2. Florida HB 657 (Oppose)
CAI’s Florida Legislative Alliance (FLA) remains committed to protecting the stability, effectiveness, and value of community associations across Florida. FLA is advocating in opposition on HB 657, which would create challenges for community associations and lead to unintended consequences for association governance, financial stability, and day-to-day operations. These impacts ultimately affect the very homeowners the bill intends to protect.
In January, FLA sent an alert to advocates to remind them of the committee’s mission, let them know what legislation they are working on this session, and ask them to reach out to their state legislators about HB 657. As a result, 331 advocates reached out to their legislators. Notably, 116 (35%) of these advocates had not previously responded to a call to action from CAI. A total of 92 Florida state elected officials received messages from CAI advocates regarding HB 657.
HB 657 was reported out of the Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee and laid on the table on Feb. 4.
3. Mississippi SB 2644 (Oppose)
In 2025, CAI is opposing SB 2644, which would impose a fee cap for estoppel certificates, creating new financial constraints for associations across Mississippi. Specifically, SB 2644 sets a $200 fee cap for estoppel certificates, plus a $50 cap on rush fees. It also states that documents must be delivered within 10 business days, and that delinquent fees cannot exceed $100. Without the ability to set fair amounts for the production and delivery of estoppel certificates, SB 2644 forces a community association to cover the gap for the real costs associated with producing and delivering an estoppel certificate. This could mean higher assessments for all homeowners as communities struggle to make up the difference from their operating budgets.
CAI launched a petition collecting signatures of Mississippi-based CAI advocates opposing the legislation with the intention to send it to the sponsor of this bill, asking him to withdraw it. A total of 82 CAI advocates signed this petition, 77 (94%) of whom had not previously responded to a call to action from CAI.
Though a hearing was not scheduled on SB 2644 and it died in committee, CAI effectively communicated its opposition with the bill sponsor. SB 2644 successfully died in committee, thanks in part to CAI’s advocacy work.
Our hope is that by learning more about ongoing initiatives and the exciting work of fellow members nationwide, you will be energized and inspired to recommit yourself to advocating with CAI. Through effective advocacy, YOU have the power to positively impact the lives of countless Americans living and working in community associations.
Take a moment to let us know why YOU advocate for policy change as a CAI member and visit our Take Action Center to review all ongoing campaigns. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact CAI’s Government & Public Affairs team at government@caionline.org. Stay tuned for next month’s update!
