A New Jersey Senate Committee has passed a statute that is designed to deal with alleged eminent domain abuses. This statute has been discussed for two years and is purportedly designed to protect homeowners from developers seeking the land for private development. Senator Ronald Rice, the sponsor, said that the bill would limit the use of eminent domain for redevelopment. It also adds new requirements regarding pre-condemnation negotiations between the condemning authority and the property owner. The bill was passed by the Senate Committee and Urban Affairs Committee and can be found at  www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/S1000/757_I1.HTM.  The bill now moves to consideration by the full Senate.