This bill proposes amendments to sections 12-524, 12-525, and 12-526 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically addressing real property actions. The current law stipulates that an action to recover a lot from a person with a recorded deed must be initiated within five years, provided that the individual has claimed ownership and paid taxes on the lot for at least five consecutive years. The bill introduces new language clarifying that a person who claims ownership based on a recorded deed and has paid taxes for five years is deemed the lawful owner of the property. Additionally, it specifies that this provision does not apply to individuals claiming title through a forged deed.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing statutes regarding actions to recover real property from individuals in peaceable and adverse possession. It maintains the five-year limit for initiating such actions but emphasizes that lawful ownership is established for those who have paid taxes on the property for five years. The bill also reiterates that the provisions do not extend to individuals claiming under forged deeds or powers of attorney. Overall, the amendments aim to clarify ownership rights and streamline the legal process for property recovery while protecting against fraudulent claims.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 12-524, 12-525, 12-526