A bill that would prohibit eminent domain claims except when in the clear interest of the public good would also allow citizens an additional way to determine just compensation.
Senate Bill 27, introduced in February, provides just payment to private property owners with an added right to have the price determined by a jury at the request of any party.
The proposed law would amend Article 1, Section 39 of the state constitution, so it must be approved by voters. If it passes the Senate, voters are required to approve the measure in March 2020 during the primary election.
Sens. Brent Jackson (R-Clinton), Danny Britt (R-Robeson) and Norman Sanderson (R-New Bern) are the bill’s primary sponsors.
If voters approve the constitutional amendment, the new law is applicable to takings after the date it is certified by the secretary of state.
