Arizona Cities call eminent-domain bills too harsh

Arizona Republic reports:

Local governments are opposing legislation that would limit their right to seize property for public use, saying it would cripple efforts ranging from road construction to redevelopment.

State lawmakers in both the House and Senate have introduced bills this session to create new hurdles for cities and towns trying to use eminent-domain powers to take private property.

Among other provisions, new laws would:

• Prevent municipalities from discussing land seizures in executive session.

• Allow a jury, not a judge, to decide whether a land seizure constitutes a "public use."

• Award all court costs and attorney fees to the defendant in eminent-domain cases, regardless of the outcome.

Some people are taking property rights more seriously.