BILL ANALYSIS
By: Woolley
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, the Texas Constitution permits condemnation of land for public use. Previous to the United States Supreme Court ruling in Kelo et al. v. City of New London et al, public use was understood to be for parks, roads, and other objectives. In light of this recent ruling allowing the taking of private property for economic development purposes, public use needs to be redefined.
As proposed, H.B. 116 prohibits the taking of private property by eminent domain through public use for economic development.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subtitle E, Title 10, Government Code, by adding Chapter 2206, as follows:
CHAPTER 2206. LIMITATION ON USE OF EMINENT DOMAIN FOR ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES
Sec. 2206.001. LIMITATION ON EMINENT DOMAIN FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES. (a) Sets forth the entities to which this section applies regarding the use of eminent domain under the laws of this state by any governmental or private entity.
(b) Prohibits a governmental or private entity from taking private property through the use of eminent domain if the taking is for economic development purposes.
(c) Provides that this section does not affect the authority of an entity authorized by law to take private property through the use of eminent domain for utility services.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or November 1, 2005.