Bill > HB1297

This bill modifies existing New Hampshire law to explicitly prevent anyone from acquiring property owned under the public trust doctrine through adverse possession. Specifically, the bill amends a statute (RSA 477:34) to add language that prevents individuals from claiming ownership of publicly held land through methods like fencing or occupying the land adversely, even if they do so for an extended period. The public trust doctrine is a legal principle that requires certain properties (such as beaches, waterways, and parks) to be held and managed by the government for the public's benefit and use. By making this change, the bill reinforces the state's ownership of these public trust lands and ensures they cannot be privately claimed through traditional adverse possession legal mechanisms. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing a short transition period for potential stakeholders to understand the new legal requirement.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2035&inflect=2