Missouri Moves Closer To Eminent Domain Restrictions

"The House Judiciary Committee voted 9-1 to recommend passage of a proposal that Chairman Bryan Pratt said would stop local governments from abusing the power to take private property.

'I'm not going to say it's perfect,' said Pratt, R-Blue Springs. 'It probably doesn't go as far as many folks want.'"

"Under the bill, homes and businesses could not be taken for redevelopment 'if the sole reason for condemnation is potential or anticipated tax revenue.'

But neighborhoods could be condemned if they were declared 'predominantly blighted.'"