Eminent domain task force asks for testimonies

The Missouri Task Force on Eminent Domain is asking Missourians who have lost private property to a city for public use to testify at the task force’s Aug. 18 meeting.

Witnesses are asked to submit written testimony to the task force at the governor’s Web site, www.gov.mo.gov, hand-delivered to the Capitol or by mail. Witnesses also have the option to give an oral presentation at the meeting.

“People can share stories of their experience with eminent domain, their ideas or goals, or objectives they’d like to see our state laws cover,” said Jessica Robinson, spokesperson for Gov. Matt Blunt.

The 10 a.m. meeting is in House Hearing Room 7 at the Capitol.

The state’s eminent domain laws allow a city to take private property for “public use” if “just compensation” is given. The U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2005 decision in Kelo v. City of New London left eminent domain an issue to be regulated at each state’s discretion.

Blunt created the task force in July to properly define “public use” and “just compensation,” and to recommend changes to Missouri’s laws to the Missouri General Assembly.

Robinson said the task force Oct. 1 will make a proposal to the assembly, which will make a final recommendation to Blunt by Dec. 31.