From the North Texas e-News

Bonham – While local farmers and ranchers fully support HJR 14, recently signed into law by Governor Perry, this proposed constitutional amendment is only one step toward fixing the eminent domain laws of the Lone Star State, said Fannin County Farm Bureau President Jerry Magness.

“HJR 14 ratifies a law that the Legislature passed in the 2005 session that limits the taking of private property by the use of eminent domain,” Magness said. “If voters approve it in November, the legislation will add that important protection to the Texas Constitution. It does little, however, to relieve the burden property owners continue to endure when a condemning entity goes after their land.”

Magness said that additional protections—compensation for landowners for lost access to their property, offers that represent fair market value and the right to repurchase land not used for the condemning purpose—must be part of any true reform.

“We were deeply disappointed when the 81st Legislature adjourned without a solution to a problem that is surging with the state’s rapid population growth,” Magness said. “The opportunity was there.”

However, Magness said the Fannin CFB firmly supports HJR 14.

“Adoption by the voters of Texas will be a good beginning,” he said. “However, it’s also time to finish the job.”