Eminent Domain

Plain English Breakdown

The bill's status is active but withdrawn, which means its future reintroduction or passage is uncertain.

Eminent Domain Law Changes

This bill amends Tennessee's eminent domain laws to include sidewalks, greenways, bike lanes, pedestrian paths, and slope development as part of public transportation projects.

What This Bill Does

• Updates the definition of 'public use' in Tennessee's eminent domain law.
• Includes sidewalks, greenways, bicycle lanes, pedestrian ways, and proper slope developments in the list of items that can be taken under eminent domain for public transportation purposes.
• Amends Section 29-17-102 of the Tennessee Code Annotated.

Who It Names or Affects

• Government entities using eminent domain
• Property owners whose land may be affected by these changes

Terms To Know

Eminent Domain

The power of the government to take private property for public use, with compensation.

Public Use

A term used in eminent domain law that refers to land taken by the government for a purpose that benefits the general public.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill was withdrawn on February 19, 2026.
• It is unclear if and when this bill will be reintroduced or passed into law.

Official Summary Text

Present law provides that private property must only be condemned and taken via the power of eminent domain by government entities if the land will be used for a legitimate public use. One such legitimate public use is t
he acquisition of any interest in land necessary for a road, highway, bridge, or other structure, facility, or project used for public transportation
. This bill clarifies that such public use also includes
an associated sidewalk, public greenway, bicycle lane, pedestrian way, or proper sl
ope development
.

Current Bill Text

HOUSE BILL 2161
By Wright

SENATE BILL 2272
By Briggs
SB2272
011571
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section
29-17-102, relative to eminent domain.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 29-17-102, is amended by deleting
subdivision (2)(A) and substituting:
(A) The acquisition of an interest in land necessary for a road, highway, bridge,
or other structure, facility, or project used for public transportation, including an
associated sidewalk, public greenway, bicycle lane, pedestrian way, or proper slope
development;
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.