House Bill 271, Eminent Domain, would allow voters to weigh in on an amendment to the state constitution to prohibit the government from seizing private property via eminent domain except for public uses. Current law allows eminent domain for public use and benefit. The amendment also requires that just compensation be provided for all condemned property and establishes the right of property owners to trial by jury in the case of condemnation. Civitas Action believes the vote for freedom is a vote YES on HB271.
The bill tightens protections on property rights that were highlighted in the Kelo v. City of London decision from the U.S. Supreme Court, which justified the taking of private property because the general economic benefits generated by private redevelopment were found to be a “public use.” The decision seemed to invite states to make further distinctions, and House Bill 271 does that.
Civitas Action believes the bill helps protects property rights and limits abuses of government, such as seizing property via eminent domain and selling it to private developers. For that reason, Civitas Action believes the vote to defend freedom is a vote YES on HB271.
Civitas Action will grade the second reading floor vote on this legislation in the House or Senate.
Civitas Action is a 501(c)(4) non-profit that educates and informs North Carolinians on policy issues and the actions of their elected officials.