Members of a Senate subcommittee sounded supportive Thursday of placing a proposed constitutional amendment about eminent domain on the ballot. The panel will make recommendations next month as the General Assembly reconvenes.

 

The subcommittee reviewed a bill the House approved asking voters in November to decide whether private property condemnation by state or local governments should be barred except for a "public use," such as highways or government buildings. Similar proposals passed the House in recent years but died in the Senate.

 

The Legislature changed condemnation laws after a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Amendment supporters say something stronger is needed.