Maryland is considering legislation, to allow local jurisdictions to impose higher taxes on vacant properties to address the state’s affordable housing crisis. HB 2 (2024 | MD) signed by Maryland’s Governor.
Kansas: No foreign land ownership
Kansas Legislature has sent to the Governor SB 172 (2024 | KS) that prohibits foreign ownership of land by persons from China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela. The legislation would empower the state Attorney General to divest foreign nationals of their property. There’s a lot of chatter about the constitutionality of this bill.
Missouri House approves eminent domain ban
The Show Me state wants to show us that it doesn’t like eminent domain for solar and wind projects. The Missouri House approved a ban on eminent domain for solar and wind builders. HB 1750 (2024 | MO)
Squatters. Pervasive? Overhyped?
10 states are considering squatter legislation. SB 1994 (2024 | OK) would allow law enforcement to boot squatters. HB 621 (2024 | FL) and HB 4940 (2024 | WV) make squatting a criminal act. Other legislation includes HB 182 (2024 | AL) S725 2024 | NJ) HB 478 (2024 | OH) Pennsylvania’s Homeowner Protection and Squatter Eviction Act.
Fortune | Viral squatting stories are scaring homeowners. How bad is the problem really?
Wildlife Bridges + Eminent Domain
Colorado built a wildlife underpass on I-70 near Genesee. Once the animals cross the underpass, they have no where to go. This leaves Colorado with the need to rely on eminent domain to obtain 17 acres to move animals along on their journeys.
Agri-hood
Meet the agri-hood. A suburban neighborhood concept that includes car free areas and community farming areas. @houstonchron
Streamline outdoor recreation permitting
This legislation is streamling permitting process for outdoor recreation companies at national parks. Is this something for your state parks?
Route Fifty | Key takeaways from the Explore Act, one of the largest outdoor recreation bills ever
TURF War
Cities are starting to ban turf for environmental and athlete safety issues. 92% of NFL players in the player association want the NFL to eliminate turf fields. Leonel Messi doesn’t play on turf. In 2022, Boston stopped new turf in parks. FIFA requires stadiums to play the field, install natural grass for games- hello US stadiums hosting the World Cup you’re going to have to install real grass.
Sports Business Journal | FIFA requires stadiums to play the field, install natural grass for games
Route Fifty | Turf wars: States, cities grow skeptical of artificial grass
Taking of Wetlands
Legal teams for property rights groups are challenging a federal law called “Swampbuster” that requires farmers to leave unused any farm land that is deemed a wetland. The legal argument is that by not allowing farming of all owned farm lands, it is a taking. CTM Holdings, LLC v. U.S. Department of Agriculture filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Eastern Division, on April 16, 2024.
Wind turbines and property values
A new study by global researchers analyzed 300 million home sales and noted that the impact of wind turbines on home values is about 1%, if the turbine is within 6 miles. The further away, the less the impact.
CNN | How much are wind turbines dragging down home values? A new study has surprising answers