Its objective is to extinguish ancient interests that nobody asserts and limit the need to search title back to the earliest roots to assure title. Every piece of real estate currently held has root of title that extends back no more than 30 years. Whatever the records show to be the unbroken chain of title to a maximum of 30 years back-that is all that the current holder of the real estate or anybody who contemplates a transfer of real estate from the current holder has to worry about. Any interests that are not on the record as of that date 30 years back are automatically extinguished, with some limited exceptions. The hidden ancient interest is no more.
Occupation is the principal exception.
Anybody who occupies premises apparent by reasonable inspection or inquiry, has whatever rights that occupancy provides, even though there is nothing on the record within the last 30 years. Any clearly observable restriction remains, notwithstanding the record for the past 30 years. The rights of any person represented on the publicly accessible tax rolls within three years of the time marketability is to be determined, is preserved. Claims of the federal government cannot be extinguished. There is optional language that allows mineral interests to be preserved, depending upon the policy determination to be made in each enacting state.