Eminent domain is an incredibly powerful tool that must be wielded responsibly. When an individual loses their property through eminent domain, it can be inconvenient at best and traumatic at worst. Because of this, it is vital that the government ensure eminent domain is used for projects that truly benefit the community while, at the same time, providing adequate compensation to those who lose their property.

Sadly, residents in my district can attest that this is not happening. An interstate reconstruction project in the district will inevitably displace residents and businesses while fracturing communities and decimating downtowns. Unfortunately, our current state eminent domain law does not provide sufficient compensation to leave the residents of my district in the same position financially. Ultimately, this is just one example of the issues posed by eminent domain. It is incumbent upon us as legislators to address the deficiencies in our eminent domain law now and help to address the issues it poses for residents throughout our state.

That is why I plan to introduce legislation reforming eminent domain compensation laws to ensure property owners are truly left in the same position financially. Eminent domain should only be used as a last resort and, when it is used, should ensure the affected property owner is made whole. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to bring needed reform to our eminent domain compensation laws and better protect property owners.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 3575: 26-103