Real Estate & Property Law

Limits Placed on Eminent Domain

By Alan Ackerman

WLBT 3

If it's passed, a bill currently in the state senate could strengthen property rights for Mississippians. But could it also stunt economic growth for the state? 

During the 2008 legislative session, Jackson State University hoped a bill giving them "quick take" ability would pass so they could take advantage of tax credits for land development near campus. It died in committee.

This year, Senator Joey Fillingane hopes to toughen state law when it comes to eminent domain purchases.

"Under this current status of this law, you would not be able to take private property from a citizen and give it to a private developer simply to try to increase tax revenue," said Senator Joey Fillingane, (R) Sumrall.

David Wade at Mississippi Farm Bureau says it gives property owners true protection.

"It excludes everything but a true public use and that includes ... highways, it includes schools, it includes public utilities," said Waide.

But if the bill was law a few years ago, Senator Walter Michel says Mississippi would never have gotten the Nissan or Toyota plants. Michel considers employers that create hundreds of jobs beneficial also.

Mississippi is having the same problems as so many other States. When a limit is placed on eminent domain will that stop development? Is the community’s desire for a private development more important than private property ownership?

Full post as published by National Eminent Domain Blog on February 26, 2009 (boomark / email).