Working through the lunch hour yesterday the House moved decisively taking one of its most anticipated actions of the session … eminent domain, the power of governments to condemn private property in order to allocate the land for private or public use.

The package, which was approved by an overwhelming vote, attacks the contentious issue on a statutory front and through a proposed constitutional amendment which requires an OK by state voters.

An exhaustive and detailed measure, House Bill 1313 establishes a litany of new procedures, including hearings, aimed at protecting land and homeowners from unfair condemnations.

Carefully defined in the body of the bill are what constitutes blighted property, the means for challenging condemnation and the reimbursement of expenses incurred due to proceedings involved in the process.

Voters will see the ballot question this coming November.

The House also adopted a major overhaul of the state’s litter law and a series of tax exemption measures.

I’m Representative _________________ reporting from the capitol.