This bill establishes new regulations regarding the exercise of eminent domain specifically for energy collector systems associated with commercial electricity generation facilities. It introduces provisions for compensation standards, requiring that compensation for condemned property be determined based on fair market value and the impact on the remaining property. The bill mandates that entities seeking to condemn property must negotiate land use and compensation agreements with at least 85% of the landowners involved and provide proof of compliance to a court. Additionally, it outlines requirements for existing easements and necessitates that notice be given to local governing bodies prior to commencing condemnation actions.

The bill also repeals a previous provision that restricted condemnation authority for energy collector systems associated with wind energy facilities, thereby allowing broader application of eminent domain for such projects. It specifies that the new regulations will apply to condemnation actions initiated on or after July 1, 2025, and clarifies that existing contracts will not be affected by this act. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
25LSO-0101 v0.6: 1-26-502, 1-26-701, 1-26-815, 34-27-105