Bill > A05965

This bill provides comprehensive eminent domain reform through the "Home and Property Protection Act", establishing new protections for homeowners and creating a temporary state commission to evaluate eminent domain laws. The bill defines key terms like "economic development project", "home", "dwelling", and "blighted area", and introduces several significant changes to the eminent domain process. For economic development projects that involve taking homes or dwellings, the bill requires condemnors to prepare a comprehensive economic development plan, hold public hearings, and obtain local legislative approval. Additionally, the bill mandates that homeowners whose properties are condemned for economic development must be compensated at least 150% of their property's fair market value and displaced residents must receive 150% of their annual rent. The legislation also gives local legislative bodies more authority to approve or disapprove eminent domain actions by various agencies and corporations. Furthermore, the bill creates a 13-member temporary state commission to examine the constitutional and procedural aspects of eminent domain, particularly focusing on how economic development projects impact private homeowners. The commission is tasked with submitting a report with its findings and recommendations within one year, and is appropriated $100,000 to support its work, with sections of the bill taking effect at different times to facilitate the commission's establishment and review process.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5965