Bill > HB2187

This bill strengthens property owner protections in eminent domain proceedings by requiring government agencies, public utilities, and other entities to make a good faith offer to property owners at least 30 days before filing an eminent domain petition. The good faith offer must be the minimum compensation amount and cannot be reduced or revoked, and if a subsequent offer is made that is higher, that amount becomes the new minimum compensation. The bill narrows the definition of "public use" by explicitly prohibiting the use of eminent domain for recreational trails and removing the ability to take property for recreational facilities. It also eliminates the legislature's power to condemn property for economic development purposes. The bill requires that eminent domain petitions include clear and convincing evidence that the property taking is necessary and for a public use, and it specifies that if the plaintiff (the entity seeking to acquire the property) does not make the required payment within 30 days of the appraisers' report, the condemnation is abandoned. Importantly, if the good faith offer is greater than the appraiser's award, only the property owner can appeal the compensation amount, providing an additional layer of protection for property owners.

Justice

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2187/