S 1036 · 96th Congress · Public Lands and Natural Resources
A bill 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
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Introduced2
Committee3
Senate Vote4
House5
EnactedLatest: Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.(1979-04-30)
Plain Language Summary
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Permits any individual, 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; (2) in good faith; (3) peacefully for at least 20 years; and (4) have improved 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 tract of land or to pay the fair market value of the interest in the land claimed if such consent is not …
Summarized by Claude AI · Non-partisan · For informational purposes only
Cosponsors (4)
4 Republicans