The proposed bill would amend Section 12-524 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to clarify the definition of lawful ownership in actions to recover a lot in a city or town. Under the new law, a person who claims ownership based on a recorded deed and has paid taxes on the property for at least five years would be deemed the lawful owner, unless the claim is made under a forged deed or a deed executed under a forged power of attorney. This change aims to provide clearer guidelines for determining ownership and streamline the legal process for property recovery.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the provisions of this section do not apply to individuals claiming title through a forged deed, thereby preventing them from benefiting from the protections offered to lawful owners. The amendments include technical changes to the existing language for clarity and consistency, ensuring that the statute accurately reflects the intended legal framework regarding property ownership and recovery actions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 12-524