Eminent domain bill passes first test

The SD legislature is on course to address something that has not been a proble yet – the abuse of eminent domain that has been seen in other states.

Under HB1080, counties, municipalities, housing and redevelopment commissions cannot transfer property to private or nongovernmental entity primarily for “enhancement” of tax revenue. Also, after seven years, if land isn’t used for the purpose for which it was acquired, it must be offered for sale to the original owner of the property.

The Chief heartily approves of this as an act of legal prophylaxis. not unlike the concept of Amendment E (the JAIL amendment).