The bill amends the law regarding property vacated by municipalities, specifically addressing the ownership of abandoned streets and alleys. It stipulates that upon the adoption of an ordinance, the absolute ownership of the abandoned property will vest in the owners of the adjacent real estate. Each abutting owner will take title to the center line of the abandoned street or alley, free from any easement for public use. Additionally, the bill clarifies that any future conveyance of the abutting real estate will automatically include the respective portion of the abandoned street or alley unless the abutting owner explicitly reserves it.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for properties that are platted, stating that the plats will be amended to incorporate the abandoned portions into the abutting real estate. It also specifies that a conveyance of the abutting real estate, even without mentioning the abandoned street or alley, will still include the respective portion that vested in the abutting owner upon the ordinance's adoption. Importantly, the act is retroactive, applying to all streets and alleys abandoned by a city or town with adjacent real estate since February 6, 1945.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1272 Original - 1-27-2025 04:12 PM: 14-18-109
HB 1272: 14-18-109