The House Energy Committee considered only one bill today, HB 1353, which started out as Conserve Energy/Water. The committee substitute bill, No Ordinances/Deeds May Stop Clotheslines would prohibit city and county ordinances and restrictive covenants from prohibiting the installation of clotheslines. This is applicable to covenants on or after Oct.1, 2009 so if your homeowners association now says you can’t air your laundry, you can’t. This bill adds clotheslines to solar energy collectors that local governments and home owners associations can’t prohibit. Hard to imagine that with close to 3,000 bills under consideration, $4 billion budget shortfall and other pressing needs.
Rep. Joe Tolson asked if clotheslines are a big concern? Bill sponsor, Rep. Pricey Harrison replied that for those who want to reduce global warming and their energy use, it is.
An amendment to take out restrictive covenants so only local government could regulate clotheslines passed.
Bill passed and will go to the Water Resources Committee for consideration.
