Lawmakers Protect Property Owners Against Eminent Domain Ruling

Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, a Westchester Democrat, has introduced a bill to the New York State Legislature that would increase the time property owners have to appeal condemnation decisions from 30 days to 90 days. Displaced residents would be paid at least 150 percent of the market value of their homes, Brodsky said.

The measure also would require eminent domain be used for economic development purposes only to forward a comprehensive plan developed in the public meetings and approved by local legislators.

In Texas, lawmakers have proposed a constitutional amendment that would bar state or local governments from seizing private property mainly for economic development. Lawmakers in many states are now proposing new laws to shield property owners.

In Washington, legislation in the works would ban the use of federal funds for any project getting the go-ahead using the Kelo v. City of New London decision. (Recent Supreme Court ruling on eminent domain).

From the Associated Press.