As we expected last week, legislation restricting the use of eminent domain has been introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives. As we shared, the legislation is in response to a specific situation in Mahoning County and is sponsored by Rep. Don Manning. More background information is available here:
http://www.vindy.com/news/2019/jun/11/bill-would-stop-property-seizures-for-bi/
As I read the bill, it would prohibit the use of eminent domain by any agency for the purpose of constructing recreational trails. The entire text of the bill follows:
Section 1. That section 163.022 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:
Sec. 163.022. (A) As used in this section, “recreational trail” means a public trail that is used for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, ski touring, canoeing, or other nonmotorized forms of recreational travel.
(B) No real property or any estate, right, or interest therein shall be appropriated under this chapter for the purpose of providing a recreational trail.
Section 2. This act is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety. The reason for such necessity is the protection of real property and property rights. Therefore, this act goes into immediate effect.
Co sponsors of the bill are the following House Republican members:
Niraj J. Antani
John Becker
Timothy Ginter
Don Jones
Kris Jordan
Darrell Kick
J. Kyle Koehler
George F. Lang
Derek Merrin
Craig S. Riedel
Mark J. Romanchuk
We will obviously be involved on opposing this bill. Please let Woody know your feelings on the issue.