The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend existing statutes regarding actions to recover real property by introducing new provisions that specifically address claims based on forged deeds. Under the current law, a person can recover a lot in a city or town if they have a recorded deed and have paid taxes on the property for at least five years. The bill would insert language stating that a person claiming ownership through a forged deed or a deed executed under a forged power of attorney cannot benefit from the statute of limitations for recovering property. This change aims to clarify that such claims are not valid and would not allow the claimant to be deemed the lawful owner, even if they have paid taxes on the property.

Additionally, the bill would make technical changes to the language of the statutes, ensuring consistency and clarity. It would also reinforce the notion that a person in peaceable and adverse possession of property, who claims ownership based on a recorded deed and has paid taxes for five years, is considered the lawful owner, except in cases involving forged deeds. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen property rights by preventing fraudulent claims while maintaining protections for legitimate property owners.

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