Eminent Domain; require entities to notify and explain proposed projects to landowners before hiring a surveyor.
If enacted, the bill will add a layer of protection for landowners by mandating notification from entities that intend to undertake public projects that necessitate surveying. This change seeks to secure landowners’ rights by ensuring they are aware of and can prepare for potential survey work on their property. The bill also includes provisions requiring proof of notification, which would be crucial for surveyors aiming to invoke eminent domain protections against trespassing claims.
Senate Bill 2078 aims to amend Section 73-13-103 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 by imposing a requirement on companies and government entities to provide notification and explanation of proposed public projects to landowners before hiring a surveyor. This requirement is intended to ensure that landowners are informed about potential actions affecting their property rights prior to surveying activity, thus fostering transparency and respect for private land ownership.
While the bill is positioned as a protective measure for landowners, it may also lead to contention surrounding its implementation. Critics may argue that the notification requirement could delay public projects and add additional bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, the requirement for surveyors to document their notification efforts could lead to disputes over the sufficiency of such notifications, raising questions about the balance between public interests in development and private land rights.