Vermont Prohibits Restrictive Covenants on Basis of Race, Religion

Vermont recently passed a bill that, effective July 1, 2022, will prohibit any deed, mortgage, plat, or other recorded device from containing a covenant, easement, or any other restrictive interest from restricting ownership or use of property on the basis of race or religion.  Any such restriction, regardless of when it was executed, will be void and unenforceable.  Additionally, the bill provides a mechanism by which such a restriction may be removed or released from the land records by the owner of the real property without a recording fee.