Congress is considering a bill that would prohibit a state or local government from exercising its power of eminent domain over property to be used for economic development or over property that is used for economic development within seven years after that exercise. The bill would establish a private cause of action for any private property owner or tenant who suffers injury as a result of a violation of this Act. The bill would also prohibit a state or local government from exercising its power of eminent domain over property of a religious or other nonprofit organization because of the organization’s nonprofit or tax-exempt status or any related quality.
The bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee’s Constitution Subcommittee.