Texans will discuss eminent domain reform during EarthX in Dallas on Saturday, April 27.
A panel, moderated by former Dallas City Council member Angela Hunt, will cover current eminent domain law in Texas and the proposed legislation to reform the process.
Panelists will include Gary Joiner, Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) senior associate director of Communications; Rita Beving, Texas Landowners for Eminent Domain Reform; and Judith McGeary, landowner and founder of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance.
“Eminent domain resembles a business transaction, but there’s one big difference. A property owner faced with a taking does not have the option to walk away from the table,” Joiner said.
In Texas, about 95 percent of the land is privately owned, which means many landowners have faced, or will face, a forced condemnation.
“Private entities that take property with eminent domain authority often claim the system is working. No doubt, the system does work for them,” Joiner said. “It’s time that the eminent domain process is reformed to make it more fair, more transparent and more accountable.”
Several bills, including SB 421, have been filed this session.
The bill is supported by TFB, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Wildlife Association and other agricultural and private property rights organizations.
“Talking about this issue at EarthX in Dallas gives us a chance to remind everyone that the eminent domain process does not just impact rural landowners. All landowners in Texas can be impacted by this process.”
The panel is set for 10:30 a.m. in the Automobile Building at the State Fair of Texas.
EarthX in Dallas is one of the largest Earth Day festivals held in Texas.
This sounds good as landowners need all the support they can get . Public support is great just as proven by killing the “Texas Corridor” a few years back which would have been a devestating abuse of the right of emminent domain by a non government party. Provisions need to protect landowners by state law to require market value for land that is noit only taken by the ROW but which is damaged or becomes unusable because of it!
The focus seems to be “Private entities that take property with eminent domain authority ” What about public entities taking private property in the false name of flood control or for parks and trails.
If all we are going after is private entities we are barking up the wrong tree. Public parks and trails are a far bigger threat.