House passes eminent domain legislation

The House last week passed House Bill 1944 by a 154-4 margin. House officials say they expect to finalize the bill in mid-May after the Senate makes changes.

Under the legislation, private property cannot be taken through eminent domain for the sole purpose of economic development. The bill defines economic development as “use of a specific piece of property which would provide an increase in the tax base, tax revenues or employment for any political subdivision.”

The bill also would prevent farmland from being declared “blighted,” a key term used in determining whether land can be taken. If land is to be taken, landowners would be entitled to fair market value for their property and only after a stringent legal process is followed step-by-step.

Though some legislators say eminent domain is a necessary tool for local governments, others agree the current system for taking land has been abused.

“The old ways have to stop, and now you’re going to have to play by a new set of rules where people are treated fairly, compensated fairly and are not put out of their homes purely for economic development purposes,” said Rep. Steve Hobbs, the bill’s sponsor, in a news release.[[In-content Ad]]