News

newsobserver.com blogs

Eminent amendment imminent?

Some representatives changed their minds overnight about eminent domain, but not enough.

Rep. Jennifer Weiss is among several House members who changed their votes overnight on a bill that would put a constitutional amendment restricting eminent domain before voters, Andy Curliss reports.

"If you really are talking about amending the constitution and you're not quite sure it's the right thing to do, I would say think twice," the Raleigh Democrat said.

Arguments centered on how much power government should have to take private property and turn it over to a third party as part of an economic development deal. The issue has been playing out across the country in the wake of a Supreme Court decision upholding a controversial deal in Connecticut.

The bill passed its third reading 104-15. Last night, it passed its second reading 112-4.

The action today sends the issue to the Senate. It could go before voters as early as November.

Cars View All
Find a Car
Go
Jobs View All
Find a Job
Go
Homes View All
Find a Home
Go
Advertisements