While not the complete victory eminent domain activists wanted, it was still a strong bill that has made its way through the Legislature to the Governors desk that will limit the ability for cities and counties to use eminent domain for anything but public works projects.
This is a great sign and should be commended. It will be even better if the legislators return next session and come up with a stricter bill next session. However, for politicians to give up power is a great step and should be commended.
The legislation is among the least restrictive of about three dozen measures lawmakers proposed on eminent domain following last year’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gave a Connecticut city the authority to seize property for a private development project.
One main provision of Tennessee’s legislation would require local governments to certify the “public purpose and necessity” of seizing land.
Governments have long purchased private property for the construction of roads, bridges, dams, sewer lines and other public projects. If owners are unwilling to sell, governments can use eminent domain to force sale of the property. via KnoxNews
