(a) (1) Notwithstanding language contained in the governing documents of the homeowners association, the governing body may authorize meetings of the homeowners association, the governing body, or a committee of the homeowners association to be conducted or attended by telephone conference, video conference, or similar electronic means.
(2) If a meeting is conducted by telephone conference, video conference, or similar electronic means, the equipment or system used must permit any lot owner, board member, or committee member in attendance to hear and be heard by all others participating in the meeting.
(3) A link or instructions on how to access the meeting by telephone conference, video conference, or similar electronic means shall be included in the notice of the meeting.
(4) No specific authorization from lot owners shall be required to hold a meeting electronically.
(b) Any lot owner, board member, or committee member attending a meeting by telephone conference, video conference, or similar electronic means shall be deemed present for quorum and voting purposes.
(c) (1) (i) Any matter requiring a vote of the homeowners association may be set by the governing body for a vote at the meeting, and a ballot may be delivered to members with notice of the meeting.
(ii) Only those lot owners present during the telephone conference, video conference, or similar electronic meeting shall be authorized to vote a ballot in accordance with this subsection.
(iii) Lot owners who are not present at the meeting may:
1. Vote by proxy in accordance with the requirements of the governing documents and this title; and
2. Be considered present for quorum purposes through their proxy.
(2) (i) The governing body may set a reasonable deadline for return of a ballot to the homeowners association, including return by electronic transmission.
(ii) The deadline for return of the ballot shall be not later than 24 hours after the conclusion of the meeting.
(d) Notwithstanding language contained in the governing documents of the homeowners association, nominations from the floor at the meeting are not required if at least one candidate has been nominated to fill each open position in the governing body.
(e) The inability of a lot owner to join a meeting due to technical difficulties with the lot owner’s telephone, computer, or other electronic device does not invalidate the meeting or any action taken at the meeting.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 11B - Maryland Homeowners Association Act
Section 11B-102 - Applicability of Title and 11b-105 Through 11b-108 and 11b-110
Section 11B-105 - Initial Sale of Lots in Developments Containing More Than 12 Lots
Section 11B-106 - Resale of Lot; Initial Sale of Lot in Development Containing 12 or Fewer Lots
Section 11B-106.1 - Responsibility for Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement of Common Elements
Section 11B-106.2 - Sale of Common Elements
Section 11B-107 - Initial Sale of Lot Not Intended to Be Occupied or Rented for Residential Purposes
Section 11B-108 - Cancellation of Contract
Section 11B-109 - Untrue Statements or Omissions by Vendor
Section 11B-110 - Warranties; Notice of Defect
Section 11B-111 - Meetings of Homeowners Association or Its Governing Body
Section 11B-111.1 - Family Child Care Homes -- No-Impact Home-Based Businesses
Section 11B-111.2 - Candidate or Proposition Sign
Section 11B-111.3 - Distribution of Written Information and Materials
Section 11B-111.5 - Court Appointment of Receiver
Section 11B-111.6 - Fidelity Insurance
Section 11B-111.7 - Number of Declarant Votes
Section 11B-112.1 - Late Charges
Section 11B-112.2 - Annual Budget
Section 11B-112.3 - Reserve Study of Homeowners Association Common Areas -- Criteria
Section 11B-113 - Homeowners Association Depository
Section 11B-113.1 - Electronic Transmission of Notice
Section 11B-113.2 - Electronic Transmission of Votes or Proxies
Section 11B-113.3 - Deletion of Ownership Restrictions Based on Race, Religion, or National Origin
Section 11B-113.4 - Annual Charge
Section 11B-113.5 - Annexation of Land in Howard County
Section 11B-114 - Electronic Payment Fees
Section 11B-115 - Enforcement Authority of Division of Consumer Protection
Section 11B-115.1 - Enforcement by Division of Consumer Protection
Section 11B-116 - Amendment of Governing Document
Section 11B-117 - Liability for Homeowners Association Assessments and Charges on Lots