Connecticut lawmakers vote to limit use of eminent domain: WRIC-TV8, Richmond VA, 6/3/07

Associated Press
Connecticut's legislature has decided to limit the use of eminent domain, two years after a landmark US Supreme Court case.

The state's House of Representatives voted 132 to 7 Saturday night in favor of a bill that restricts private property from being taken solely to boost property tax revenues. The move comes two years after the US Supreme Court ruled the city of New London could take homes for a private riverfront development.

Despite the overwhelming vote, many lawmakers wanted an outright ban on using eminent domain for economic development. They complained that this bill would not have stopped the property seizures in New London. But an amendment failed in a close vote.

Governor Jodi Rell is expected to sign the bill limiting the use of eminent domain.

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WRIC-TV8, Richmond VA: http://www.wric.com