Bill > SF2160

This bill increases the maximum reimbursement amounts for property owners who obtain independent appraisals during eminent domain proceedings in Minnesota. Currently, owners can be reimbursed up to $1,500 for single-family and two-family residential properties and minimum damage acquisitions, and up to $5,000 for other property types. The bill would raise these limits to $3,000 and $10,000, respectively. A "minimum damage acquisition" is defined as an interest in property that can be acquired for $25,000 or less, as determined by a qualified person familiar with the local real estate market. The bill maintains the existing requirement that property owners must submit their appraisal and reimbursement information at least five days before a condemnation commissioners' hearing, and the acquiring authority must reimburse the owner within 30 days of receiving the appraisal, with the option to pay the appraiser directly if both parties agree. This change aims to better support property owners by providing more comprehensive compensation for the costs associated with obtaining an independent property valuation during eminent domain proceedings.