S 3444 · 95th Congress · Public Lands and Natural Resources
To repeal the Color of Title Act; to establish standards and procedures whereby certain persons in adverse possession of public lands may acquire legal title thereto; and for other purposes.
Bill Progress
✓
Introduced2
Committee3
Senate Vote4
House5
EnactedLatest: Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.(1978-08-22)
Plain Language Summary
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Permits any person, association, partnership or corporation in adverse possession of public lands to obtain a patent to such lands from the Secretary of the Interior. Sets forth the information to be included in a petition for such a patent. Directs the Secretary to grant a patent to public lands if the petitioner, the petitioner's ancestors, or grantors have held such lands: (1) under color of title, meaning the semblance or appearance of title; (2) in good faith at the time of acquisition of color of title; (3) peacefully for at least 20 years; and (4) have improved or cultivated such lands. Establishes procedures for the review of such petitions. Directs the Secretary, upon a determination that the petition is sufficient, to issue a patent for the interest claimed in an area of public land 50 acres or less upon the payment of $1.25 or less per acre. Grants the Secretary the option of issuing a patent for more than 50 acres upon the payment of the required fee. Requires the Secretary to obtain the consent of other Federal agencies to a patent award if a claim under this Act interferes with functions of such agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a patent to a comparable trac…
Summarized by Claude AI · Non-partisan · For informational purposes only