Real Estate & Property Law

Texas Tries to Catch Up

By Alan Ackerman

A State Senator has refilled an eminent domain reform bill that would require an appraisal and a good faith written offer before condemnation, among other changes. Over the last half century, forty plus states have already initiated such reforms. It is puzzling why the State House of Representatives refuses to pass this bill, which any Texan who owns or leases property would support. Hopefully, state legislators will end Texas's anti-property owner, pro-government imbalance—something most states did decades ago. 

The Graham Leader 

Senate Bill 18 reforms the practice of eminent domain by redefining 'public use' and creating a 'Truth in Condemnation Act,' requiring a bona fide offer and good faith negotiations with compensation for economic loss including diminished access and ending the practice of government land speculation.

In 2009, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 18 by Senator Estes which provided key reforms to the state's current eminent domain laws. The bill failed to make it out of the Texas House of Representatives.

Full post as published by National Eminent Domain Blog on January 19, 2011 (boomark / email).