Bills attempt to limit possibility of eminent domain being used

SCOTT BAUER
Associated Press Writer

http://ap.theindependent.com/pstories/state/ne/20060215/3650157.shtml

LINCOLN, Neb. — Farmers and city-dwellers, lobbyists and private citizens all lined up Wednesday in support of tightening Nebraska's eminent domain law to stop the taking of land for private economic development.

But city attorneys and others who work on economic development opposed changing the law, saying eminent domain is rarely used in Nebraska but it is an important and needed tool.

The fundamental right to own property is being subverted through the misuse of eminent domain, supporters of making its use more restrictive told the Legislature's Judiciary Committee.

"There is no gray area on this issue for me," said Sen. Deb Fischer of Valentine, introducer of one of four bills before the committee. "It's black and white."