The bill, S.B. No. 534, proposes amendments to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code regarding the statutes of limitations for suits to recover real property held by another in adverse possession. Key changes include extending the limitations periods for various types of adverse possession claims. Specifically, the bill changes the limitations period from three years to 97 years for claims under title or color of title, from five years to 98 years for claims involving cultivation, use, or enjoyment of the property with tax payments and a registered deed, and from ten years to 99 years for claims based solely on cultivation, use, or enjoyment of the property.

Additionally, the bill repeals Section 16.027, which previously outlined certain limitations, and modifies existing sections to reflect these new time frames. The amendments aim to provide greater time for individuals to assert their claims to real property under adverse possession, thereby altering the legal landscape for property recovery in Texas. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.022, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.024, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.025, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.026, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.027 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16)