Bill > S1080

This bill aims to address discriminatory restrictive covenants in property deeds by establishing a comprehensive process for identifying and removing racially motivated land use restrictions. The legislation requires registry districts to review property certificates for any restrictions that violate existing anti-discrimination laws, specifically section 23B of chapter 184. If such discriminatory restrictions are found, the registry districts have two potential courses of action: they can either directly remove unambiguous discriminatory language and add a declarative memorandum explaining the historical context, or file a court complaint if the restrictions are more complex. Property owners, registers of deeds, and other interested parties can also file no-cost complaints with the land court to seek declaratory judgments removing these void restrictions. The bill mandates that each registry district submit an annual report to the office of fair housing detailing the number of certificates amended under this process. By providing this mechanism, the legislation seeks to proactively address historical housing discrimination, educate the public about past discriminatory practices, and ensure that property records reflect contemporary values of equality and non-discrimination.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1080