This bill amends the definition of public use, public purpose, or public improvement in relation to the exercise of eminent domain by utilities for the construction of hazardous liquid pipelines. Specifically, it states that the construction of hazardous liquid pipelines for the transportation or transmission of liquefied carbon dioxide is not considered a public use unless the owner of the agricultural land consents to the condemnation. This change means that utilities will now require the consent of landowners before they can use eminent domain to condemn agricultural land for such purposes, which was not previously required under current law.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of a utility to include various entities that provide essential services to the public, such as gas, electricity, and water. The bill is effective immediately upon enactment and applies to condemnation proceedings initiated after the effective date. This legislative change aims to provide greater protection for agricultural landowners against the condemnation of their property for the construction of hazardous liquid pipelines.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6A.21