81R1666 PMO-D
 
  By: Corte H.J.R. No. 14
 
 
 
A JOINT RESOLUTION
  proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the public taking of
  private property.
         BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 17, Article I, Texas Constitution, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 17.  (a) No person's property shall be taken,
  damaged, or destroyed for or applied to public use without adequate
  and just compensation being made, unless by the consent of such
  person, and only if the taking, damage, or destruction is necessary
  for the possession, occupation, and enjoyment of the property by
  the public at large or by  the State or a political subdivision of
  the State; and, when taken, except for the use of the State, such
  compensation shall be first made, or secured by a deposit of money;
  and no irrevocable or uncontrollable grant of special privileges or
  immunities[,] shall be made; but all privileges and franchises
  granted by the Legislature, or created under its authority, shall
  be subject to the control thereof.
         (b)  The State or a political subdivision of the State that
  takes, damages, or destroys property must prove by clear and
  convincing evidence that the contemplated use of the property is
  public and necessary at the time an attempt is made to take, damage,
  or destroy the property. Whether the contemplated use is in fact
  public and necessary shall be a judicial question.
         SECTION 2.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
  submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2009.
  The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
  proposition: "The constitutional amendment to limit the power of
  the state and political subdivisions to take property in certain
  circumstances where the use is public and necessary, which shall be
  a judicial question."