Alabama Legislators Need to Fix New Eminent Domain Law
“Last weekend, Reason broke the news that Alabama has rescinded its strong statutory protections against the use of eminent domain for private development. I stand by that claim, but based on subsequent local news reports, SB 96 appears to be an inartfully crafted law rather than a nefarious attempt to bring back Kelo-style land grabs.
According to one legislator, any expansion of eminent domain authority was inadvertent and will be excised. Legal minds in Alabama are split, however, on whether the new law, which offers tax subsidies for manufacturers willing to locate their operations in the state, does indeed expand the state’s eminent domain power.”
Ross, John K. Reason.com 6 April 2013.