Alabama and states rise to protect property rights
Newswire Services
August 03, 2005
Alabama is the latest state to pass a law to counter a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows local governments to seize homes for private development.
The high court's June ruling said condemnation of private property solely for economic development was constitutional, but the court left the door open for states to limit the use of eminent domain for economic development.
Alabama state Sen. Jack Biddle sponsored the bill to prevent property seizures in the state, USA Today reported.
"We don't like anybody messing with our dogs, our guns, our hunting rights or trying to take property from us," Biddle said.
Delaware also has changed its property rights law, and legislatures in at least eight other states have similar debates under way.
In Washington, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is proposing a bill to bar cities and counties from using federal funds for economic development projects that involve seized property.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
All rights reserved.
The high court's June ruling said condemnation of private property solely for economic development was constitutional, but the court left the door open for states to limit the use of eminent domain for economic development.
Alabama state Sen. Jack Biddle sponsored the bill to prevent property seizures in the state, USA Today reported.
"We don't like anybody messing with our dogs, our guns, our hunting rights or trying to take property from us," Biddle said.
Delaware also has changed its property rights law, and legislatures in at least eight other states have similar debates under way.
In Washington, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is proposing a bill to bar cities and counties from using federal funds for economic development projects that involve seized property.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
All rights reserved.
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