NJ A1588

Establishes a 20-year adverse possession period for acquiring title to real estate in New Jersey, replacing the current conflicting statutes that set 30-year and 60-year periods depending on property type.

Requires possession to be actual, open, notorious, inconsistent with ownership by others, and continued uninterrupted for the full 20-year period to claim title.

Exempts State and local government property used for public purposes, public utility property, and non-profit conservation lands from adverse possession claims.

Creates a separate 40-year adverse possession period for formerly tidal-flowed property, requiring recorded title and payment of all property taxes to bar State riparian rights claims.

Repeals five existing statutes (N.J.S.2A:14-6, 2A:14-7, 2A:14-8, 2A:14-30, and 2A:14-31) to resolve inconsistencies identified by the New Jersey Supreme Court in J & M Land Co. v. First Union Nat'l Bank (2001).