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WASHINGTON, D.C.-Congressman Allen Boyd (D-FL) joined Congressman Henry Bonilla (R-TX) today in introducing bipartisan legislation that will penalize eminent domain abuses. This legislation comes in response to a June 2005 U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing governments to use eminent domain to take away private property and transfer it to someone else for their private gain. The Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property (STOPP) Act (HR 3405) will prevent governments from taking property from one private party and giving it to another private party.
"The recent Supreme Court decision obscures the concepts of eminent domain and private property rights," said Congressman Boyd. "Governments should not have the ability to take away a person's home, business or land to benefit other individuals. The STOPP Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that will correct the far-reaching decision made by the Supreme Court and protect the average citizen in pursuit of the American Dream."
When eminent domain abuses occur, the STOPP Act will prevent localities and states from receiving federal economic assistance on all economic development projects, not just those upon which abuses occur. Furthermore, this legislation will make state and local government subject to the Uniform Relocation Act, which provides fair market value and moving expenses for citizens relocated by abuses.
"Congressional action to is needed in the wake of the Supreme Court's eminent domain ruling," Boyd stated. "Through economic disincentives, this legislation will help prevent the confiscation of private property for the purpose of private gain and protect the rights of our homeowners and small businesses."
The STOPP Act is cosponsored by more than 15 Members of Congress from both sides of the political aisle.
Cong. Boyd speaks about the STOPP Act at a press conference with Cong. Henry Bonilla (R-TX)
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