The proposed bill would significantly update the administration of townsite trusts by designating the county board of supervisors (BOS) as the trustee, replacing the current role of the judge of the superior court. This change is intended to streamline management by placing authority in the local governing body. Additionally, the bill would require that a trustee's bond be filed with the county recorder, altering existing procedural requirements. It also removes the need for the county BOS to approve townsite plats and eliminates the fixed compensation rate for appraisers of unclaimed townsite lots.

Moreover, the bill introduces several new provisions and clarifications, including the requirement for public auctions and appraisals for land sales, updates to application fees, and a streamlined process for individuals who have occupied and paid taxes on land for five years to apply for ownership. The language would be modernized by replacing gender-specific pronouns with neutral terms and clarifying the trustee's responsibilities regarding financial accountability and record-keeping. Overall, these updates aim to modernize the statutes governing townsite trusts, enhance transparency, and protect the interests of both trustees and land claimants.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-1101, 9-1102, 9-1103, 9-1105, 9-1106, 9-1111, 9-1112, 9-1116, 9-1117, 9-1118, 9-1131, 9-1132
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-1101, 9-1102, 9-1103, 9-1105, 9-1106, 9-1111, 9-1112, 9-1116, 9-1117, 9-1118, 9-1131, 9-1132
Chaptered Version: 9-1101, 9-1102, 9-1103, 9-1105, 9-1106, 9-1111, 9-1112, 9-1116, 9-1117, 9-1118, 9-1131, 9-1132