All promises, minimal action
After Kelo, there were quite a few local/state governments who had measures to reel in eminent domain abuse. Like these recent examples:
The Senate voted 23-to-five today a resolution asking voters to enact a law creating a new right to trial by jury on whether a condemnation by the state or a local government is for a public use and therefore allowed under state law.
The Senate also approved a bill to declare that a projected increase in tax revenue or other economic benefit doesn’t qualify as a public use for which eminent domain can be used.
and:
Governor Sonny Perdue said, “The government’s awesome power of eminent domain should be used sparingly, and never abused for private profit.”
The Governor also proposed a constitutional amendment rhat (sic) would prohibit the use of eminent domain for economic development or to boost tax revenue. The changes in law will likely be too late, however, to block Phoebe from seizing the 93 year old woman’s house.
But to date, I really know of no place where such a law has passed. Anyone?
February 10th, 2006 at 11:02 am
Alabama passed one last fall. Although, it still has some loopholes. The legislature seems to be trying to pass a constitutional amendment.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20050804-120711-4571r.htm
February 10th, 2006 at 11:55 am
Cool! Good to see some action!
February 10th, 2006 at 5:59 pm
A constitutional amendment in Alabama should be no trouble at all. It’s easier to change the Alabama constitution than it is to change your shoes. 🙂 (They’ve already got something like 740 amendments to their 1901 constitution)
March 8th, 2006 at 1:19 pm
[…] Continuing the theme of all talk, no action comes news that New Mexico’s Governor vetoed an anti-eminent domain bill: Governor Richardson has vetoed eminent domain legislation. […]