The first substantive bill of the 2015 session of the General Assembly is one that we’ve seen before. It’s an eminent domain constitutional amendment.
An eminent domain amendment to the N.C. Constitution has been a frequent topic in the General Assembly since the 2005 Kelo v. New London U.S. Supreme Court decision, which allowed the Connecticut city to condemn property for redevelopment purposes. But it’s never made it on the ballot for ratification.
If approved, the N.C. Constitution would be amended to say: “Private property shall not be taken by eminent domain except for a public use. Just compensation shall be paid and shall be determined by a jury at the request of any party.” The bill would also make other changes to the state’s eminent domain law.
If approved by the General Assembly, it would be placed on the ballot for ratification during the May 3, 2016, primary.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Chuck McGrady, R-Henderson. It has bipartisan support, with more than two dozen co-sponsors.
