SB694:

Eminent domain; various changes to the laws pertaining to condemnation procedures.

Bill Summary:

Eminent domain. Makes various changes to the laws pertaining to condemnation procedures, including (i) providing that localities shall not condition or delay the timely advancement or approval of any application for or grant of any permit or other approval for real property for the purpose of allowing the condemnation or acquisition of the property; (ii) redefining "lost access" for the purposes of determining just compensation (iii) requiring a condemnor to provide the property owner with a copy of its title report and all recorded instruments found in the title examination; (iv) requiring the clerk of the court, when funds are paid into the court during a condemnation proceeding, to deposit such funds into an interest-bearing account; (v) requiring the court to order the condemnor to reimburse the property owner for the reasonable costs and fees, not to exceed $7,500, for a survey (under current law, this amount is capped at $1,000); (vi) requiring temporary construction easements to have an expiration date included in the recorded certificate and requiring condemnors to record a certificate of completion within 90 days upon completion of construction of any public use project for which a portion of private property was taken; (vii) requiring that a condemnor that has been sued for just compensation pursuant to a "quick-take" condemnation procedure to reimburse the property owner for his fees and costs incurred in filing the petition; and (viii) permitting the owner of property that the Commissioner of Highways has taken to petition the circuit court for the appointment of commissioners or the empanelment of a jury to determine just compensation under certain circumstances and requiring the Commissioner of Highways to reimburse the owner for his fees and costs incurred in filing the petition.