Connecticut House Bill HB05986

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The Use Of Eminent Domain For Commercial Purposes.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5986 would significantly impact existing statutes related to land use and property rights in the state. By restricting eminent domain to public use, the bill aims to provide stronger protections for property owners against potential government expropriation motivated by commercial interests. This could alter the landscape of economic development, as municipalities may face limitations in their ability to attract commercial projects through the acquisition of private land needed for development.

Summary

House Bill 5986 aims to prohibit the use of eminent domain by the state and municipalities for commercial purposes. This bill seeks to amend Title 8 of the general statutes to ensure that property can only be taken for legitimate public uses. The essence of the bill is to protect property rights by limiting the government's ability to seize land for private commercial development, thus addressing concerns about overreach and the potential misuse of eminent domain powers.

Contention

Notable points of contention around this bill may arise from the balance between property rights and the need for economic development. Supporters of the bill argue that current practices of using eminent domain for commercial purposes can lead to unjust displacements of homeowners and small businesses without adequate compensation. Conversely, opponents may highlight that the ability to use eminent domain responsibly is essential for facilitating major development projects that can benefit larger communities, thus raising concerns about potential economic stagnation if such powers are restricted.