The 2011 session--eminent domain protection redux

Sen. Craig Estes has refiled his bill to limit eminent domain takings to projects that are only for public use. Last session, the Senate passed this legislation, but it got caught up in the log-jam of bills that did not pass in the House when time ran out. This time, it is called Senate Bill 180, which redefines “public use” and includes compensation for diminished access. SB 180 also ends land speculation by the government.

Estes said, “I believe one of the most important functions of government is the protection of private property and the interests of property owners. Our ability to own and profit from private property is fundamental to not just our economic liberty, but also our personal liberty."

Here's hoping that this session does not end in the disarray of the previous session, when valuable legislation like this, that was on its way to being passed, was simply lost when time ran out.

Help Farm Bureau to push for SB 18 eminent domain protection

The Texas Farm Bureau has sent out an action alert to help SB 18, and I have forwarded it to the ACRE group.

Please call or email now to support SB 18 for better eminent domain protection! We can make a difference if enough of us contact our Senators!

The Texas Farm Bureau is asking people to ask their State Senator to support SB 18, which is a good eminent domain bill. It is expected to be voted on by the whole Senate this week. The Senator of many of us is Steve Ogden, who is not a coauthor of this bill. His Capitol office phone is 512-463-0105. Or send an email from his home page on the Senate Website:
Visit Home Page on Texas Senate Website
Or click on "Take Action!" in the message below to respond through the Texas Farm Bureau's website.

Here are some neighboring Senators:
Sen. Hegar, who represents Bastrop County, is a coauthor of the bill, so please thank him for this.
Sen. Kirk Watson of Travis County is not a coauthor.
Sen. Troy Fraser, who represents Bell County, is not a coauthor.
You can see how to contact them by going to the Legislature Online. http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx

From the Farm Bureau:
Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:42:20 -0400
Please Contact Your State Senator in Support of SB 18-Eminent Domain Reform
Eminent Domain Reform to be voted on in Texas Senate

Take Action!
Contact Your Senator to Support SB 18 by Senator Craig Estes

Senate Bill 18 will be voted on by the Texas Senate this week. Senate Bill 18 is a strong eminent domain reform bill that protects property owners.

It ensures property owners receive a good faith offer before their property is condemned, and it provides property owners with fair compensation, including diminshed access.

Please contact your Senator and let them know you need their support for this historic property rights legislation.