AR SB597

Amends Arkansas Code § 26-38-201 to clarify that the State of Arkansas or a purchaser, donee, or redemptor may file suit to confirm and quiet title to property forfeited for nonpayment of taxes in the chancery circuit court of the county where the property is located.

Changes terminology from "petition" to "complaint" throughout the quiet title procedure and specifies required attachments including certified lists from the Commissioner of State Lands and limited warranty deeds for purchasers, donees, or redemptors.

Requires publication of notice for four consecutive weeks, once per week, in a newspaper with general circulation in the county, calling on persons claiming any right to the property to show cause why title should not be confirmed and vested in the State of Arkansas or plaintiff.

Establishes procedures for additional parties claiming adverse interests to join the suit and permits defendants to tender taxes, penalties, interest, and costs to challenge the conveyance; specifies that successful defenses result in deed of redemption and reversal of transfers.

Clarifies that confirmation decrees operate as a complete bar to all claims and vest indefeasible title in the State or plaintiff, regardless of defects in forfeiture proceedings, with a one-year statute of limitations for parties with recorded interests who were not properly served notice.