Proposed Texas amendment allows eminent domain to be wielded by private corporations, churches, etc.

[derby378]

Take a good look at this proposed bill:

Proposition 11
(HJR 14 - #1)
HJR 14 would amend the constitution to provide that the taking of private property for public use (“eminent domain”) is authorized only if it is for the ownership, use, and enjoyment of the property by the State, its political subdivisions, the public at large, or by entities granted the power of eminent domain, or for the removal of urban blight. The amendment would prohibit the taking of private property for transfer to a private entity for the purpose of economic development or to increase tax revenues. The amendment would also limit the legislature's authority to grant the power of eminent domain in the future unless it is approved by a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house.

The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to prohibit the taking, damaging, or destroying of private property for public use unless the action is for the ownership, use, and enjoyment of the property by the State, a political subdivision of the State, the public at large, or entities granted the power of eminent domain under law or for the elimination of urban blight on a particular parcel of property, but not for certain economic development or enhancement of tax revenue purposes, and to limit the legislature ’s authority to grant the power of eminent domain to an entity."

http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/2009novballotexp.shtml

On the surface, it doesn't sound that bad - the amendment claims to enhance property protections that were placed in the Texas Constitution in 2005. But look closer...

Any entity, including a private entity, can gain the authority of eminent domain via a two-thirds vote in the state legislature. This amendment would not protect homeowners from losing their property for a private development project.

Want to build a megachurch, but there's moderate-income housing sitting on all that property you want to build on? No problem - just get the state legislature to give your church eminent domain, and you can legally seize that land and evict the homeowners in the name of Jesus.

This amendment must be killed. Spread this information to all the Texas Democrats you know. Kill Proposition 11.

[tbyg52]

1. That is obscene. Thank you for the information. nt

[tammywammy]

2. Thank you for the info

I will spread this far and wide.

[mbperrin]

3. Just one of the many reasons we only allow these bastards to meet

every OTHER year and only for 140 days at a time. We just can't take much more damage than that.

How about an amendment to let them meet every 4 years for a week only and no special sessions for anything at all? Can I get an amen?