Illinois House Bill HJRCA0006

Illinois 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/28/25

Caption

CONAMEND-EMINENT DOMAIN

Impact

The implications of this bill will be significant on state laws regarding property rights and eminent domain. By clearly defining what constitutes public use, it restricts the scope under which the government can take private property. Additionally, the requirement that compensation be determined by a jury introduces a more equitable approach to property acquisition, ensuring that property owners have a fair hearing regarding their compensation, which could lead to increased trust in the governmental process.

Summary

HJRCA0006 proposes an amendment to Section 15 of Article I of the Illinois Constitution, concerning the rights related to eminent domain. The bill aims to ensure that private property cannot be taken or damaged without just cause for public use, nor without just compensation as dictated by law. Importantly, it specifies that public use does not include benefits derived from economic development, such as increases in tax revenue or employment opportunities. This means that the state cannot claim eminent domain for projects aimed at economic growth if they do not serve a clear public function.

Contention

Notable contention surrounding HJRCA0006 stems from the balance between public needs and private property rights. Proponents argue that the amendment strengthens protections for property owners against potential overreach by government entities seeking to repurpose land for economic projects. Opponents might contend that by restricting how public use is defined, the bill could hinder necessary infrastructure projects or economic developments that benefit the broader community, arguing for a more flexible interpretation of public use in the context of modern economic realities.