Bill > SB534

This bill modifies the statutes of limitations for suits to recover real property held by another through adverse possession in Texas, significantly extending the timeframes for such legal actions. Currently, different limitations periods exist for adverse possession claims (3, 5, and 10 years), and this bill proposes to replace those with much longer periods of 97, 98, and 99 years respectively. Specifically, the bill changes the time limits for bringing a lawsuit to recover property: for property held under title or color of title, the limit is extended from 3 to 97 years; for property that is cultivated, used, or enjoyed and has a registered deed, the limit is extended from 5 to 98 years; and for property simply cultivated, used, or enjoyed, the limit is extended from 10 to 99 years. The bill also removes a previous section related to legal disabilities and sets the effective date as September 1, 2025. These changes dramatically lengthen the time property owners have to reclaim land that has been in adverse possession, potentially providing more opportunities to recover property that might have been unknowingly lost or occupied by others for extended periods.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB534