Welcome to the Future!
Strong early voting numbers in Tarrant Regional Water Development Board races, which have been spurred by an eminent domain dispute.
At the end of early voting 11,292 early ballots were cast. An additional 5,840 ballots were cast by mail. In contrast, the 2013 numbers were 8,143 early walk-in votes and 4,015 mail-in ballots.
While Iowa is leading the pack on “No eminent domain for private gain,” Tgexas is moving forward with no eminent domain for private toll roads.
HB 565 is awaiting referral to a Senate Committee. Dallas Morning News
On Thursday, May 7th, Senate State Affairs is hearing HB 2536. Its a fascinating new front in eminent domain legislation granting free reign to condemning entities in Harris County.
This bill will allow a condemning entity to unilaterally select the court for eminent domain proceedings. Wouldn’t we all love the power to unilaterally select the best court? the best line at the gas sta…
Surprise, surprise, more people oppose eminent domain according to an Austin environmental lawyer.
Opposition to eminent domain use for a water pipeline that seeks to move East Texas water to DFW has fueled campaign contributions, and court cases related to open records.
Tarrant Water Campaign is Over East Texas Land: Ft Worth Star Telegram
At least one eminent domain lawyer thinks large value, 7 or 8 figure, eminent domain cases may be forced into a new three judge panels that can be convened by request of the AG. Texas Lawyer describes the bills as:
“allow[ing] the Texas attorney general to petition the Texas Supreme Court’s chief justice to convene a mandatory three-judge court to hear school finance or redistricting cases. The panel would consist of the original district judge who got the case, and two others appo…
Decreasing property values, eminent domain, property divisions and intrusions lead the reasons why Navasota area residents oppose high speed rail. They gathered at the Grimes County Expo Center. KAGSTV
Riots consumed Los Angeles in 1992 after a court police officers found not guilty in the beating of Rodney King. Buildings burned.
In 1994, eminent domain was raised as an option to redevelop the destroyed buildings. It wasn’t until 2008 that an agency attempted eminent domain after neighborhood activists opposed the use of eminent domain.
Plans for a $100-million entertainment district are on target for 2015.
Posted inactivism, blight, economic development, private property rights
Private property Rights advocates are gathering in Pfluegerville on May 9th. “The Texas Landowner Rights Summit and educational seminar discusses the rights of Texas landowners facing condemnation and eminent-domain proceedings. The meeting will be held on Saturday, May 9, starting at 9 a.m. at the Hilton located at 801 University Drive East, College Station, Texas 77840 (Ballrooms 5-7).” Community Impact … The Court ruled that billboards are fixtures of a real property interest. And, that the removal of bill boards, compensation is required. However, compensation for the removal of billboards are hampered by existing case law that prohibits lost profits from entering valuation of business property. NFIB
Posted inappraisals, billboard, compensation, legal trend, private property rights
Targeting private entities that have the power of eminent domain, Iowa, wants to require projects to negotiate purchases with 75% of the private land involved in a project before eminent domain can be triggered. The bill targets a pipeline project and a transmission line project. The pipeline has only been able to neogtiate 50% of the land acquisition while the transmission line has negotiated purcahse of 15% of its land acquisition.
Posted inlegislation trend, pipelines/common carriers, private company, private property rights, process & procedure, transmission lines
May 9th Texas Landowners Summit
TX Supremes Rule on Billboards, Private Property & Eminent Domain
Lege Trend: Require % of Land Be Negotiated Before Eminent Domain Use