SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation to prohibit homeowners associations from banning drought-resistant landscaping to save water.

Brown's office said Thursday that he signed AB2104 by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, a San Diego Democrat.

Gonzalez said homeowners associations were using legal loopholes to force members to maintain their lawns and landscaping even during the worst drought in a generation. Some homeowners even faced fines for trying to save water with drought-resistant plants.

The new law prevents associations, apartment complexes and housing cooperatives from banning water-saving plants or preventing residents from following local water conservation rules.

The law will apply regardless of whether a drought is declared.

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