The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet on June 18 to consider Senate Bill 1199 (Rafferty-R- Montgomery) providing for a landowners’ bill of rights in cases of eminent domain, including by private entities like pipeline companies.

“Landowners deserve to know their rights when their property is looking to be acquired through eminent domain,” said Sen. John Rafferty.  “This process is often overwhelming to many landowners and the taking of property often leaves landowners frustrated and angry with this realization, as evidenced in Chester County [in cases related to pipeline development].

“Landowners are often ill informed when it comes to eminent domain and many do not have the resources to consult with an attorney to fully understand the ramifications of eminent domain and their legal rights under the law,” said Sen. Rafferty.  “At the very least, any Pennsylvania landowner facing eminent domain should be provided with an adequate understanding of the eminent domain process and all options that may be available to them going forward.”

The bill requires Office of Attorney General to prepare a written statement that includes a bill of rights for a property owner whose real property may be acquired by a governmental or private entity through the use of the entity’s eminent domain authority.

The written statement must then be available on the Attorney General’s website and a copy of this written statement must be physically presented to each affected landowner by the entity seeking eminent domain in advance of the acquisition.

The meeting will be held in the Rules Room off the Senate Floor when announced by the President of the Senate during a break at some point during the day.

Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be contacted by calling 717-787-6599 or sending email to: sgreenleaf@pasen.gov.  Sen. Daylin Leach serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by calling 717-787-5544 or send email to: dleach@pasenate.com.

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[Posted: June 15, 2018]

6/18/2018