The Senate Local Government Committee heard SB 29 on eminent domain by Sen.Buck. This billincreases the compensation paid to a property owner for condemnation from fair market value to 120% of fair market value, as well as increases the amount of attorney’s fees and litigation expenses that may be paid to a property owner in a condemnation action.
At the January 6, 2022 meeting, the Committee heard concerned testimony from the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Energy Association, Accelerate Indiana Municipalities, Association of Indiana Counties, and the Indiana Electric Cooperatives. A representative from Indiana Farm Bureau testified in favor of the bill.
The bill was amended by consent to change the attorney fees from $75,000 to $25,000. The bill also removes any mention of easements. The amended bill only changes the condemnation payment from 100% fair market value to 120%. The amended bill passed 9-0.
Read the bill at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2022/bills/senate/29