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, if the abutting real estate is platted, the bill mandates that the plats be amended to incorporate the abandoned portions of the street or alley. It also states that a conveyance of the abutting real estate, even without specific reference to 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