Eminent Domain
Issue Overview: Several bills are expected to be introduced that would restrict the taking of private property by government and giving it to private developers for economic development.
NFIB Position: NFIB/Rhode Island supports all legislation that restricts government's eminent domain powers and thereafter conveying it to a private developer because it would generate more taxes. If permitted to continue without restraint then no property is safe from seizure. The U.S. Constitution restricts eminent domain to "public uses" such as for roads, parks, public buildings, railroad tracks, utility lines and should not be expanded to include economic development projects where private developers and large businesses benefit at the expense of residents and small business.
Issue Status: A number of states have addressed the horrible Kelo vs. City of New London U.S. Supreme Court decision with restrictions on the taking of a private property by government and giving it to private developers for economic development. NFIB/Rhode Island will urge Rhode Island to do likewise but the General Assembly is reluctant to pass this legislation.
