PROPERTY

Even prior to the United States Supreme Court Decision in Kelo vs. New London, I knew Virginia had weak protections for property owners, that’s why I introduced legislation to keep government from exercising the eminent domain power just to benefit private entities, like developers. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Kelo case effectively eliminated any protection of private property under the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, leaving all private property vulnerable to being taken by government – for any reason at all. Churches, homes, and private businesses should not be threatened without a legitimate public need.

The government’s eminent domain power shouldn’t be used to force individuals to accept below-market prices for their property – just so a private developer can build on it. I believe that exercise of the eminent domain power should be limited to traditional public uses such as schools, roads, jails, and utility easements. That’s what Virginia’s new law does and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished to protect private property ownership in the Commonwealth. I will also continue to work for a Constitutional Amendment that will secure these private property protections for the long term.