Assembly approves bill limiting eminent domain

PROVIDENCE – The General Assembly approved legislation to define, limit and restrict the use of eminent domain powers – by state agencies or municipal governments – for purely economic-development purposes.
The bill (2008 – S2728A) will now be transmitted to the governor for his signature. It was sponsored by Sen. James C. Sheehan (D-Narragansett).
According to a release from Sheehan’s office, the legislation prevents executive agencies from “unilaterally seizing private property for the sole purpose of economic development” unless specifically authorized by an act of the General Assembly.
The bill also provides that owners of property that is taken will be compensated at a minimum of 150 percent of the fair market value of the real property. &#8226