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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 114

Legislative bill overview

HB 114 would prohibit discriminatory restrictive covenants—deed restrictions that limit property ownership or use based on protected characteristics like race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin. The bill allows property owners to formally remove or void these covenants from their titles, addressing historical discrimination embedded in property records.

Why is this important

Restrictive covenants are remnants of Jim Crow-era policies that prevented minorities from purchasing property in certain neighborhoods, creating lasting wealth gaps and community segregation. Many remain on property deeds today as "dead letter" provisions that, while often unenforceable, carry symbolic harm and can complicate property transactions or refinancing.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation scope: Determining which covenants qualify as "discriminatory" and establishing clear procedures for removal without creating excessive litigation or administrative burden
  • Retroactive application: Whether the law applies only to future covenants or requires proactive removal of historical ones already in place, affecting existing property records
  • Liability concerns: Questions about whether property owners, title companies, or municipalities bear responsibility for identifying and removing covenants, and potential exposure to lawsuits

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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