The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 288 on eminent domain by public utilities authored by Sen. Buchanan. The bill was substantially amended by consent to remove the content of the bill and instead allow the court ordered appraisal to be admitted in as evidence. The amended bill also increases the attorney fees allowed from $25,000 to $50,000.
A farmer whose land was taken by a public utility testified in favor of the bill. Representatives from Indiana Energy Association, Indiana Electric Cooperatives, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Broadband and Technology Association, and Indiana Department of Transportation testified against the bill.
The amended bill passed 8-3.
Read the bill at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2022/bills/senate/288