The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically section 507.18, to prohibit the charging of fees for homeowners seeking to remove certain restrictive covenants related to protected classes. Under the new provisions, homeowners can record a discharge of these covenants at no cost, ensuring that such covenants, which restrict ownership, occupancy, use, or financing based on race, color, creed, national origin, or religion, are permanently removed from the title of the property. The bill clarifies that these restrictive covenants are void and unenforceable, regardless of whether a statutory form has been recorded.

Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for filing and recording the statutory form used to discharge these covenants. It removes the requirement for applicable recording fees to be paid and ensures that the commissioner of commerce provides electronic copies of the statutory form at no cost to the public. The effective date for these changes is set for the day following final enactment, reinforcing the commitment to eliminate discriminatory practices in real property ownership.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 507.18
1st Engrossment: 507.18