Bill > SF559

This bill addresses the removal of discriminatory restrictive covenants from property records in Minnesota by eliminating any fees associated with filing a statutory form to discharge such covenants. Specifically, the bill amends existing law to require county recorders to accept a standardized form for removing restrictive covenants that discriminate based on protected classes like race, color, creed, national origin, or religion, without charging any recording fees. The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Commerce provide electronic copies of this form at no cost, and clarifies that filing the form does not extend or alter the duration of existing property covenants. The statutory form allows property owners to formally document and discharge discriminatory covenants that are now considered illegal and unenforceable under Minnesota and United States constitutional law. By removing financial barriers to filing these forms, the bill makes it easier for property owners to officially eliminate racist or discriminatory language from their property's historical records, ensuring that such restrictions cannot be enforced and promoting greater equity in property ownership.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0559&ssn=0&y=2025