Utah recently passed an amendment to its eminent domain laws.  The Utah Senate unanimously approved HB 25 and now the bill awaits the Governor’s signature.  The legislation updates language in the state code dealing with eminent domain and also established news guidelines that allow property owners greater access and engagement in the process.

The legislation allows a property owner to involve the State Ombudsman in the process and allows a property owner to accompany an appraiser valuing the condemned property.  It also permits condemnees to request an explanation of the condemnor’s appraised value.