The House set the stage this week for a possible constitutional amendment to appear on the ballot next year. The proposed amendment would prevent governments from using their power of eminent domain to take private property for commercial purposes. It would go before voters in November and change the state constitution to say, “private property shall not be taken except for public use.” House Bill 878 comes two years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Kelo that eminent domain could be used for economic development purposes. Several of us were concerned about tinkering with the constitution, especially since it currently doesn’t authorize using eminent domain for acquiring private property for commercial purposes. Current law clearly protects private property rights, and would never allow anything like the fact scenario that precipitated the Kelo controversy.

This Memorial Day weekend many of us will be traveling and visiting with friends and family. As we enjoy ourselves let us remember those who are now serving our Country, and those who have served before, making great sacrifices to insure our freedoms.

Cheers

Pricey