Find out the latest in eminent domain news from around Texas.
Eminent domain bill passes Texas House
Source: Texas Farm Bureau
Eminent domain reform continues to make progress in Texas after HB 2730 was approved by the House of Representatives on May 13 by a 143-1 vote.
HB 2730 includes several key concepts supported by TFB, including requiring the landowner to receive an initial offer that is clear as to whether damages to the remainder are included in the offer. It also requires the landowner to receive an easement agreement with standard terms that protect property rights; improves the landowner bill of rights; and creates a penalty for land agents that act unethically and make lowball offers to landowners.
Texas Central High-Speed Rail Among Projects Discussed at Congressional Hearing
Source: The Texan
At a congressional hearing last week, Texas Central President and CEO Carlos Aguilar appeared before the committee, claiming that Texas Central is the “most shovel-ready high-speed rail project in the country.”
However, Trey Duhon, county judge for Waller County that lies along the proposed route, said he believes this project is not viable and has been promoted under false pretenses and urged the committee members to invest transportation dollars elsewhere.
Under Biden, dozens of eminent domain cases continue in courts
Source: KVEO
President Biden halted construction on the wall on the U.S.-Mexico border shortly after taking office in January. However, ongoing eminent domain cases were not paused. In the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, McAllen Division, there are currently 60 active cases, according to federal records.
Oak Ridge North church pastor balks at possible eminent domain on Robinson Road
Source: Community Impact Newspaper
The city of Oak Ridge North could exercise eminent domain to acquire land for a planned expansion of Robinson Road, but leaders of a church along the route have asked for further discussion because a pastor said he had been told it would not be subject to that kind of acquisition.
