Eminent amendment imminent?

ryanteaguebeckwith — Thu, 24 May 2007 15:31:44 -0400

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.

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Eminent amendment imminent?