February 20, 2007

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Contact your senator regarding eminent domain constitutional amendment

Urge support of motion to re-refer HJR 723 to Senate Courts Committee

The Senate Courts of Justice Committee has reported out HJR 723 (Bell), which proposes an amendment to the state constitution and imposes severe restrictions on eminent domain authority.

Local governments and a coalition of other groups take the position that a constitutional amendment is not necessary, especially since both the House and the Senate have each passed bills that impose restrictive statutory changes on eminent domain authority. These bills are likely to be sent to a conference committee to address the differences.

VML believes that the constitution should not be amended to restrict eminent domain. Any problems with a constitutional change would take years to correct.

HJR 723 should not be passed and should not be sent to a Committee of Conference. Please contact your senators immediately and urge them to support a motion to re-refer HJR 723 to the Senate Courts Committee.

HJR 723 is likely to be debated on the Senate floor tomorrow.

Please contact your Senators immediately. List of Senate membership.

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