§ 566. Perfection or defense of rights

(a) Right to take action not affected

This title [sections 561 to 571 of this Appendix] shall not affect the right of a servicemember to take action during a period of military service that is authorized by law or regulations of the Department of the Interior, for the perfection, defense, or further assertion of rights initiated or acquired before entering military service.

(b) Affidavits and proofs

(1) In general

A servicemember during a period of military service may make any affidavit or submit any proof required by law, practice, or regulation of the Department of the Interior in connection with the entry, perfection, defense, or further assertion of rights initiated or acquired before entering military service before an officer authorized to provide notary services under section 1044a of title 10, United States Code, or any superior commissioned officer.

(2) Legal status of affidavits

Such affidavits shall be binding in law and subject to the same penalties as prescribed by section 1001 of title 18, United State Code.

(Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888, title V, § 506, as added Pub. L. 108–189, § 1, Dec. 19, 2003, 117 Stat. 2857.)

Prior Provisions

Prior Provisions

A prior section 566, acts Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888, art. V, § 506, 54 Stat. 1188; Pub. L. 102–12, § 9(21), Mar. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 41, related to mineral permits and leases and the suspension of operations and term of permits and leases, prior to the general amendment of this Act by Pub. L. 108–189. See section 565 of this Appendix.