Thursday morning, HB1659 was considered in the House Judiciary II Committee that would provide for a referendum on whether to add an amendment to the North Carolina Constitution saying:
“Private property shall not be taken by eminent domain except for a public use. Public use does not include the taking of property in order to convey and interest in the property for economic development. Just compensation shall be paid and, if demanded, shall be determined by a jury.”
The bill was introduced by Reps. Skip Stam (R-Wake) and David Lewis (R-Harnett) and was reported favorably by the committee. Not surprisingly, the League of Municipalities spoke out against the bill. As it stands, the referendum to amend the NC Constitution would be on the ballot in November 2012.
Below is video of Rep. Stam discussing the bill:
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