Yesterday, with a 19-1 vote, the Delaware Senate passed a good eminent domain reform bill. SB 245 would prohibit cities from taking private property for economic development.
Under the bill, property can only be taken for a truly “public” use and also ensures that only properties that are truly a threat to the health and safety of a neighborhood are defined as “blighted.”
Meanwhile, local officials are afraid that the state is stripping municipalities of their power.
It’s pretty straightforward according to the sponsor of the bill:
“I don’t think the intention of our founding fathers was ever urban renewal at the expense of property rights,” said chief bill sponsor Sen. Robert Venables, D-Laurel.
Now that the state senate has passed the bill, it will go to the state house, where it has a very good chance at being passed.