Eminent domain bill becomes law in Texas

San Antonio Business Journal
Date: Monday, May 23, 2011, 2:24pm CDT

Related:Commercial Real Estate, Policy

Gov. Rick Perry signed into law a bill that further limits government entities' ability to seize private property.

The legislation, Senate Bill 18, was one of Gov. Perry's so-called emergency initiatives for the current legislative session, which ends May 30. It strengthens a property owner's right to defend against eminent domain from government agencies and private entities. Both the United States and Texas constitutions prohibit taking private property without just compensation.

"Today is a proud day for Texas landowners," said Joe Parker Jr., president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. "After years of hard work, Texas has new eminent domain law that will protect the private property rights of Texans; something TSCRA has been working toward for a very long time."

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