Bill > HB4338

This bill amends West Virginia law to redefine the types of properties that can be taken through eminent domain, which is the government's power to take private property for public use, even if the owner does not wish to sell. Specifically, it modifies the definition of "blighted property" by removing the phrases "age or obsolescence" and "high density of population and overcrowding," and it also removes the clause that allowed municipal urban renewal authorities to exercise eminent domain on any property within a designated slum or blighted area. The bill also adds a provision stating that "unblighted" private property cannot be taken by the state or its political subdivisions for economic development if the primary purpose is to transfer ownership or control to another private entity, unless that entity already has the power of eminent domain.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4338&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill