SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would make it illegal for HOAs to fine someone for yellow spots in their grass passed its first hurdle Friday.

If S.B. 191 sounds familiar, it’s because a very similar bill did pass last year.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Wayne Harper (R-Taylorsville), says they had to come back this year and clarify. He says some HOAs were still trying to fine people.

“Just saying no, you can’t fine them for conserving water,” he says.

If this bill passes, HOAs would also have to go through and adopt water-efficient landscaping by June 30, 2023.

Additionally, the bill says HOAs could charge a fee if a certain number of their units are transitioning over into rental units.

The bill passed unanimously in committee with no public comments. It is now on its way to the full Senate for consideration.

Devin Oldroyd contributed to this article.

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