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 removed a requirement that utilities pay property owners $500 as compensation before entering their land for examination during common carrier projects, thereby **weakening** protections for landowners by eliminating this one-time payment obligation. The change streamlines the examination process by focusing solely on damage compensation rather than requiring advance compensation for the intrusion itself.
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