House Judiciary Committee Passes Legislation to Protect Private Property from Government Seizure

Press Release

The House Judiciary Committee today approved the "Private Property Rights Protection Act" (H.R. 1689) by voice vote. This bill provides important limits on the government's ability to seize private property using eminent domain.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the following statement:

Chairman Goodlatte: "Eminent domain has grown far beyond the vision of our nation's founders. Without this legislation, governments and municipalities could take over homes, farms, and small businesses to make way for shopping malls or other developments without legal repercussions. Today, the House Judiciary Committee voted for individual liberty. I am pleased to support the "Private Property Rights Protection Act," legislation that removes the financial incentives for governments trying to abuse eminent domain and grants landowners legal remedies to protect their rights.

"I want to thank my colleague, Representative Sensenbrenner for reintroducing this legislation and for working so closely with me on a legislative solution, and I urge House leadership to schedule a vote without delay."

Background

This legislation incorporates aspects of the STOPP Act, introduced by Chairman Goodlatte during the 109th Congress. The "Private Property Rights Protection Act" has passed the House of Representatives in a bipartisan fashion three times previously.

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