Texas state Rep. DeWayne Burns (R-58) and state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-18) announced two Texas bills that seek to change the eminent domain works in the Lone Star State on Wednesday, Jan 23.
House Bill 991 and Senate Bill 421 relate to “the acquisition of real property by an entity with eminent domain authority,” attempts to define private entities that can make “bona fide offers” on private property, and seeks to protect property owners.
“Eminent domain is a power granted to governments to seize private property for public use, usually thought of in relation to roads, schools or other such projects,” wrote the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) in the group’s announcement of the bills.
“In Texas, however, many private for-profit entities, such as pipeline and transmission line corporations, can use the same governmental power.”
Robert McKnight Jr., president of the TSCRA, thanked the legislators for their efforts to change Texas’ eminent domain situation.
“Texans deserve better,” he said. “We deserve an eminent domain process that is open and transparent, that is fair and respectful of our partnership in energy infrastructure, and that holds private condemnors accountable if they don’t do it right.”
