Homestead mailing list

[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

After four years of heated debate, the Kelo decision spurred Missouri 
lawmakers to get the deal done. House Bill No. 1944 ends the debate. 
Some provisions are:
1. Eminent domain cannot be used solely for the purpose of economic 
development.
2. Condemning entities must pay 25 percent above market value for 
homes taken by eminent domain. Farms held by the same family for 50 
years or more are valued at 150 percent.
3. Farmland cannot be declared "blighted" in order to justify the use 
of eminent domain.
4. A landowner's Bill of Rights is established and an office of 
ombudsman is created.

Debate got a bit heated at times, with utility companies complaining 
loudly. Chris Koster, a state senator, brought the warring factions 
into his office for an airing and compromising session. "My 
definition of a perfect bill is one where you make everybody a little 
bit mad. I think we can safely say we did that," says Hobbs. 
"Everybody gave a little bit on this bill."

Source: Rural Missouri, August 2006 (sent to all Missouri electric 
co-op members)