Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB608

Introduced
1/24/24  
Introduced
1/24/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to procedures to review the exercise of the power of eminent domain.(See HF 2522, HF 2664.)

Impact

The bill significantly alters the landscape of eminent domain procedures, effectively empowering legislators to intervene in judicial processes that were traditionally managed by the courts. This change could limit rapid governmental actions in acquiring property, as legislative approval will slow down eminent domain processes. Supporters argue that this will protect private citizens from unwarranted takings, while critics may view it as a potential bottleneck that could interfere with necessary public improvements.

Summary

House Study Bill 608 is focused on revising the procedures for reviewing the power of eminent domain in the state of Iowa. The bill proposes that during any eminent domain proceeding, a petition can be filed by a group of legislators—21 members from the House or 11 from the Senate—to halt ongoing legal actions. This would require notification to involved parties, and all proceedings would cease until a greater than three-fifths majority vote is obtained from both houses to resume the action. This process aims to introduce more legislative oversight into eminent domain actions, enhancing the property rights of citizens.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HSB608 centers around the balance between public need and private property rights. Proponents assert that enhanced legislative scrutiny is essential for accountability, particularly citing the importance of protecting homeowners from disruptive land acquisitions. On the other hand, opponents express concerns that such procedures might hinder essential infrastructure projects and complicate the existing swift processes of acquiring necessary land for public purposes. The bill's implications on infrastructure and economic development could become central themes in ongoing debates.

Companion Bills

IA HF2522

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to procedures to review the exercise of the power of eminent domain.(Formerly HSB 608; See HF 2664.)

IA HF2664

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to actions involving hazardous liquid pipelines, and providing fees. (Formerly HF 2522, HSB 608.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF242

A bill for an act relating to procedures to review the exercise of eminent domain, and providing fees.(See HF 763.)

IA HF763

A bill for an act relating to procedures to review the exercise of eminent domain, and providing fees.(Formerly HF 242.)

IA SF226

A bill for an act relating to procedures to review the exercise of eminent domain, and providing fees.

IA HSB507

A bill for an act relating to the exercise of eminent domain for carbon oxide pipelines, and including applicability and effective date provisions.(See HF 2104.)

IA HSB287

A bill for an act relating to the exercise of eminent domain for the construction of hazardous liquid pipelines and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 943.)

IA HF2104

A bill for an act relating to the exercise of eminent domain for carbon oxide pipelines, and including applicability and effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 507.)

IA SF92

A bill for an act relating to the exercise of eminent domain for the construction of hazardous liquid pipelines and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF943

A bill for an act relating to the exercise of eminent domain for the construction of hazardous liquid pipelines and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 287.)

IA LB1255

Prohibit public power suppliers from exercising the power of eminent domain

IA S1012

Requires all entities delegated eminent domain powers under this section to adopt a plan and approval prior to exercising such power for a public purpose.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.