Bill prohibiting the use of eminent domain for economic development purposes surfaces anew

The Senate Law & Justice Committee will again hear a bill prohibiting the use of eminent domain for economic development purposes. A bill like this has been introduced every year for some time, and AWC usually leads the charge in opposing it because it restates an existing constitutional prohibition and would only serve to increase potential legal exposure for cities. It also greatly limits the ability for cities to use condemnation in blighted areas under our community renewal statute. This bill will be heard on January 17 and currently does not have a bill number. A draft is available here.

Last year the bill moved much further than expected. Cities who have concerns about this proposal would be well-suited to talk to your legislators early and often about this. Please let Carl Schroeder know if you have done this so we can follow up.