Task Force Planned On Eminent Domain Issue: KOTV-6 (Tulsa OK), 7/5/05

A couple of state lawmakers are forming a task force to study eminent domain issues in Oklahoma.

The US Supreme Court ruled last month that local governments can seize people's homes and businesses against their will for private development.

The decision gives cities wide power to bulldoze residences for projects such as shopping malls and hotel complexes in order to generate tax revenue. But it has raised concerns in Oklahoma and elsewhere about private property rights.

State Representative Mark Liotta of Tulsa and Senator Clark Jolley of Edmond are organizing the task force. The Republican lawmakers say they want to develop legislation that will give greater protection to private property owners in the state.

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KOTV-6: www.kotv.com