AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 29-17-102, relative to eminent domain.
Summary
HB2161 amends Tennessee’s eminent domain statute by revising the definition of a public use acquisition for transportation projects. The bill specifies that the taking of an interest in land is authorized when needed for a road, highway, bridge, or other structure, facility, or project used for public transportation, and it expressly includes related features such as sidewalks, public greenways, bicycle lanes, pedestrian ways, and proper slope development.
In practical terms, the bill broadens and clarifies the kinds of transportation-related projects that may support the use of eminent domain under Tennessee law. It does not create a new eminent domain power, but it updates the statutory language in Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-17-102 to make clear that associated pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, as well as supporting land features, are part of qualifying public transportation projects.
Impact
The bill changes Tennessee’s eminent domain statute by expanding the listed examples of public transportation-related projects that can justify acquisition of land interests. This affects state and local governments, transportation agencies, and property owners by clarifying that land needed for sidewalks, greenways, bicycle lanes, pedestrian ways, and slope development may be acquired under the statute’s public use framework. The amendment is likely intended to reduce ambiguity in project planning and condemnation authority for transportation infrastructure.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available record. Based on the text alone, the bill appears technical and clarifying rather than controversial, with a neutral-to-supportive policy posture focused on transportation infrastructure and land acquisition authority.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the scope of eminent domain authority, especially for property owners affected by transportation projects. Supporters would likely emphasize clearer authority for roads, bridges, sidewalks, greenways, and bike/pedestrian facilities, while critics could be concerned that the broader wording makes it easier for government entities to take private property for infrastructure projects. No specific opposing viewpoints are documented in the provided materials.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29, Chapter 16; Title 29, Chapter 17; Title 54 and Title 58, Chapter 2, relative to the use of eminent domain during declared emergencies.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29, Chapter 16; Title 29, Chapter 17; Title 54 and Title 58, Chapter 2, relative to the use of eminent domain during declared emergencies.