HB 1944 is the one

HB 1944 is the one

By Staff

March 21, 2006

JEFFERSON CITY – Eminent domain reform is winding its way through the Missouri General Assembly as longtime Capitol observers notice the potential within House Bill 1944, sponsored by Rep. Steve Hobbs, R-Mexico.

The House Judiciary Committee has taken public testimony on the bill, which is being built around recommendations flowing from within the Missouri Task Force on Eminent Domain.

“Extensive testimony and public hearings have confirmed eminent domain is only appropriate when there is balance between private property owners and the needs of the public,” said Gov. Matt Blunt, who formed the task force following a controversial U.S. Supreme Court decision that looms as a potential threat to property owners and non-profit groups like churches.

Kerry Messer, lobbyist for the Christian Life Commission (CLC) of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC), is watching the Hobbs bill.

“HB 1944 addresses multiple concerns and helps protect private property from government and others who would take property for private gain,” Messer said. “Churches and other not-for-profit properties would also benefit from the reforms offered by this proposal.”