The bill, HB 492, addresses the use of eminent domain in relation to property expropriation, particularly for the transportation and underground storage of carbon dioxide. It includes amendments that clarify the rights of landowners and the entities authorized to expropriate property. Specifically, the bill allows domestic and foreign corporations, limited liability companies, and other legal entities engaged in carbon dioxide transportation to expropriate necessary property, subject to applicable limitations. It also emphasizes that the protections for landowners extend to all uses not acquired for a storage facility or necessary for the use of acquired property.

Additionally, the bill defines "storage operator" to include those authorized to operate both proposed and existing storage facilities and outlines the powers of the commissioner regarding eminent domain proceedings. It prohibits the expropriation of reservoir storage rights for geologic storage, except in specific circumstances, and establishes a process for issuing certificates of public convenience and necessity for carbon dioxide transporters. The proposed law will take effect only if another related act, HB 966, is enacted and becomes effective.

Statutes affected:
HB492 Original: 30:1108(B)(1)
HB492 Engrossed: 19:2(9), 30:1103(12), 30:1104(C), 30:1108(A)(2)
HB492 Reengrossed: 19:2(9), 30:1103(12), 30:1104(C), 30:1108(A)(2)
HB492 Enrolled: 19:2(9), 30:1103(12), 30:1104(C), 30:1108(A)(2)
HB492 Act 620: 19:2(9), 30:1103(12), 30:1104(C), 30:1108(A)(2)