Loading chat...
GA HB370
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/13/2023
Primary Sponsor
Matt Reeves
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates the "Coastal Marshlands Restoration Act of 2024," establishing a legal procedure for private landowners to clear title to coastal marshlands by tracing ownership to valid Crown of England grants or State of Georgia grants through in rem proceedings filed in superior court
- Requires petitioners to present an abstract of title to the State Properties Commission, which has 270 days to certify whether title traces to a valid grant; failure to respond within that period is deemed an admission that title has been traced
- Restricts all coastal marshlands and uplands subject to a decree under this process to conservation purposes only, defined as remediation, restoration, or enhancement of natural conditions, while preserving public access to navigable waters
- Expands eligibility for quia timet special masters to include attorneys who maintain a full-time, staffed office in the judicial circuit or an adjoining circuit, in addition to those who reside there
- Establishes prima facie case standards, including evidence of a grant combined with pre-1970 manmade use of marshlands or 40 years of good record title, and sets minimum special master compensation at $1,000
Legislative Description
Equity; procedure for clearing title to coastal marshlands; provide
Last Action
House Withdrawn, Recommitted
2/8/2024
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/14/2023
Full Bill Text
No bill text available