Concerns time frames for establishing or enforcing property rights related to adverse possession.

This bill establishes a 20-year adverse possession standard for most property owners in New Jersey, meaning someone who openly and continuously occupies land for 20 years may gain full ownership if they meet specific conditions (actual, notorious, uninterrupted possession). It includes a special 40-year rule for properties that were once tidal-flowed but are no longer tidal, requiring 40 years of possession plus tax payments. The bill explicitly protects public entities (like government agencies, utilities, and public trust properties) from adverse possession claims, ensuring these properties remain accessible for public use. It repeals conflicting existing statutes and clarifies that the 20-year rule applies to property owners who have held land for decades, particularly benefiting homeowners in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy who faced difficulties securing repairs due to state tidelands claims.