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36-0013

An Act amending title 28 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 11 by increasing the time that a person must adversely possess a property before acquiring title and excluding certain property from being acquired by another person through a claim of adverse possession

2025-2026 Regular Session

Extends the period required for adverse possession and excludes specific property from such claims, sharpening owner protection and narrowing title transfers.

Introduced
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · 36-0013

Summary: Bill 36-0013

Overview

Bill 36-0013 proposes amendments to Title 28 of the Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 1, Section 11. The changes would (a) increase the period a person must adversely possess property before acquiring title and (b) exclude certain property from being acquired by another person through a claim of adverse possession. The bill is currently in the introduced stage.

Purpose and Intent

  • To adjust the framework governing adverse possession to require a longer period of uninterrupted possession before title may be transferred to a claimant.
  • To narrow the scope of property that can be acquired by adverse possession by excluding certain categories or types of property from adverse possession claims (specific exclusions would be defined in the bill’s text).

Key Provisions (as described)

  • Amends Title 28 V.I. Code, Chapter 1, Section 11.
  • Increases the time period that a claimant must adversely possess property before acquiring title through adverse possession.
  • Excludes certain property from being acquired by another person via adverse possession (the bill will define which properties are excluded).

Note: The exact duration of the increased possession period and the specific exclusions are not provided in the summary you supplied. The bill text will specify the precise numbers, categories, and any transitional rules.

Affected Parties and Property

  • Potential adverse possessors (individuals or entities seeking title under adverse possession).
  • Current property owners and those involved in land/title disputes.
  • Government land records offices and clerks responsible for recording title and possession claims.
  • Real estate developers, squatters, and others who might rely on adverse possession as a means of acquiring title.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Received: January 13, 2025
  • Assigned: January 21, 2025
  • To Senate: February 3, 2025
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025 (noted in the legislative actions; the status line lists January 13, 2025 as an introduction date)
  • Status: Introduced

Potential Impacts

  • Legal certainty: A longer adverse possession period could provide stronger protection for current landowners against long-term unauthorized occupancy.
  • Property rights: Exclusions of certain property from adverse possession may protect categories of land from transfer via adverse possession, potentially reducing the reach of adverse possession claims.
  • Administrative: Changes will affect how property title claims are evaluated and how land records are updated upon long-term possession.

Next Steps / Where to Find Details

  • For the precise adverse possession duration and the exact exclusions, review the full text of Bill 36-0013 and any fiscal notes or committee analyses.
  • Monitor subsequent actions in the Senate and any amendments that refine the scope or transitional provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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