This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia regarding eminent domain, specifically by modifying section 54-1-2 and repealing numerous related sections, including 54-1-2a through 54-3-5. The key change introduced in this bill is the insertion of language that prohibits any governmental entity in West Virginia from exercising the right of eminent domain to compel private property owners to sell or lose their property. This provision is intended to protect citizens from potential abuses of eminent domain, particularly in cases where the primary purpose is economic development that would benefit private entities.

In addition to the new insertion, the bill repeals a significant number of existing provisions related to the procedures and regulations governing eminent domain, which may streamline the process and reduce the complexity of the law. The overall goal of the legislation is to enhance property rights for individuals and ensure that the exercise of eminent domain is limited and carefully regulated, thereby safeguarding the interests of property owners in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 54-1-2, 54-1-2a, 54-1-3, 54-1-3a, 54-1-4, 54-1-5, 54-1-5a, 54-1-6, 54-1-7, 54-1-8, 54-1-9, 54-1-10, 54-1-11, 54-1-12, 54-2-1, 54-2-2a, 54-2-3, 54-2-4, 54-2-4a, 54-2-5, 54-2-6, 54-2-7, 54-2-7a, 54-2-7b, 54-2-8, 54-2-9, 54-2-9a, 54-2-10, 54-2-11, 54-2-11a, 54-2-12, 54-2-13, 54-2-14, 54-2-14a, 54-2-15, 54-2-16, 54-2-16a, 54-2-17, 54-2-18, 54-2-19, 54-2-20, 54-2-21, 54-3-1, 54-3-2, 54-3-3, 54-3-4, 54-3-5