I may have blown that call
“But while that may speak to the quality – or lack of it – in this legislation, it does not answer the question of whether I botched it up. And since my whole shtick is to call ’em like I see ’em, I have to also call this one.
I have come to the conclusion that I was as wrong about the bill as I was right.
I no longer believe it was set up to open a wider door for eminent domain. On that measure I should – and do – apologize to the governor and to Sens. Shadrack McGill, Clay Scofield, Arthur Orr and Paul Sanford. It is only fair. If you’re gonna throw stones, after all, you better own ’em.
So yes, I think I got it wrong.
Advocates for the bill make a compelling argument when they say the law doesn’t expand eminent domain, if only because cities and counties already have the ability to use it. It was set up to expand tax increment financing districts, and the eminent domain language – though revelatory – does not change the scope.
Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying SB96 is a wildflower. What it does do is open the door for industry — “automotive, automotive-industry related, aviation, aviation-industry related, medical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, computer, electronics, energy conservation, cyber technology, and biomedical industry manufacturing facilities” to be considered a “public interest” and therefore qualify more easily for government-subsidized redevelopment.”
Archibald, John. Alabama.com 2 April 2013.