Friday, Dec. 30, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Acts to Protect Property Owners; Endorses Eminent Domain Action Items
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today endorsed recommendations from the Missouri Task Force on Eminent Domain, which he formed following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that potentially crippled property owners’ rights, and expressed his willingness to support other eminent domain efforts.
"Extensive testimony and public hearings have confirmed eminent domain is only appropriate when there is balance between private property owners and the needs of the public," Blunt said. "To protect Missouri home, farm and business owners from a government tax grab we must work to ensure our laws provide for that balance by allowing government to exercise eminent domain only in limited circumstances where there is a clear and direct public purpose."
Blunt commends the task force for investing their time and dedication to this very controversial issue. The group met over five months and heard from witnesses and experts representing every perspective related to eminent domain. The groups final report includes 18 statements and related action items.
The governor believes the task force recommendations, if enacted, will make a meaningful difference in curbing eminent domain abuse in our state and looks forward to working with members of the General Assembly on these and other proposals to better protect homeowners and family farmers. Task force recommendations include, among other things:
- Legislation defining just compensation, blight, public use, good faith negotiations;
- Legislation to ensure property owners are made aware of their rights and there is adequate time for property owners to engage in the process;
- Legislation to allow for mediation and cost recovery;
- Laws that protect land owners if a condemning authority acts in bad faith or does not use the easement for its original purpose within a given timeframe;
- Legislation to limit eminent domain powers to elected officials or their appointees and requiring governments to consider alternate routes or sites;
- Laws prohibiting eminent domain use to take farm land for economic development purposes;
- Exploring the potential for a new state government official to assist citizens and provide free consultations to help them understand the eminent domain process.
The task force’s complete report and recommendations are available at http://www.mo.gov/mo/eminentdomain/index.htm.
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