RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina House is taking another crack at putting a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would affirm when state and local governments are prohibited from take private property against the owner’s will.
The chamber voted 94-21 on Wednesday for the proposed amendment on eminent domain, which could be placed on the statewide ballot in March 2020. The House has passed similar proposed referendums several times since the 2000s, but the Senate hasn’t gone along.
The language makes clear condemnation of private property by state or local governments is barred except for a “public use.” The issue gained interest following a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision.
The amendment also would enshrine in the state constitution the right to receive a jury trial to determine compensation for condemned land.
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