This bill clarifies how entities with the power of eminent domain can inspect private land when the owner refuses permission, but only for projects requiring a Public Utilities Commission siting permit. Before entering the property, they must give the owner 30 days' written notice describing what will be examined, when they'll enter, and how long they'll stay, and they must pay for any damage caused. Property owners can challenge the inspection in court within 30 days of receiving notice.
The amendment removes a provision that required condemnors to pay landowners $500 as compensation before entering property for common carrier construction projects, while clarifying and tightening other procedural language around examination notices and landowner rights. This WEAKENS protections for landowners by eliminating the flat compensation payment that previously applied to utility projects.
Signed by the Governor S.J. 529
Delivered to the Governor S.J. 455
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 493
Signed by the President S.J. 434
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 66, NAYS 0. H.J. 461
Commerce and Energy Do Pass Passed, YEAS 11, NAYS 0.
Commerce and Energy Scheduled for hearing
First read in House and referred to House Commerce and Energy H.J. 238
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 34, NAYS 0. S.J. 183
Commerce and Energy Do Pass Passed, YEAS 9, NAYS 0. S.J. 8
Commerce and Energy Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Commerce and Energy S.J. 55
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Cosponsors
Do Pass
Commerce and Energy — Do Pass
Do Pass
Commerce and Energy — Do Pass