The bill amends the Uniform Condemnation Procedures Act by updating Section 6, which outlines the process for property owners to challenge the necessity of property acquisition. Key changes include a requirement that hearings on such challenges must occur no later than 30 days after a motion is filed, and the court must render a decision within 60 days of the hearing. The bill clarifies that for acquisitions by public agencies, their determination of necessity is binding unless there is evidence of fraud, legal error, or abuse of discretion. For private agency acquisitions, the court will assess necessity based on clear and convincing evidence that the proposed route for a transmission line is more reasonable than alternatives, prioritizing routes adjacent to public land, existing rights-of-way, and property boundaries.

Additionally, the bill specifies that if a motion to review necessity is not filed, necessity is conclusively presumed to exist, waiving the right to further review. It also establishes that appeals regarding the court's determination of necessity can only be made to the court of appeals with permission, and such orders are not appealable as part of a compensation judgment. The definitions of "affiliated transmission company" and "independent transmission company" are included, referencing the Electric Transmission Line Certification Act.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 213.56