Eminent domain study.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide a detailed summary text, so some details are inferred from the bill text.

Eminent Domain Study

This act requires an interim committee to study issues related to eminent domain and prepare recommendations for future legislation.

What This Bill Does

• Requires the joint corporations, elections, and political subdivisions interim committee to conduct a study on eminent domain during the 2025 interim period.
• Specifies that the study must cover topics such as adequate compensation, reclamation of property after an easement is released, liability issues, reasons for using eminent domain, authorized parties, abandonment of easements, and types of land that can be acquired.
• Requires the committee to prepare any recommended legislation based on their findings for consideration during the 2026 budget session.

Who It Names or Affects

• The joint corporations, elections, and political subdivisions interim committee is required to conduct the study.
• People who may have property taken through eminent domain could be affected by changes in laws or practices resulting from the study's recommendations.

Terms To Know

Eminent Domain

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

Interim Committee

A committee that meets between legislative sessions to study specific issues and make recommendations.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill did not pass in its current session.
• It is unclear what specific changes or new laws will be recommended by the interim committee based on their study.

Current Bill Text

25LSO-0725
2025
STATE OF WYOMING
25LSO-0725
Numbered
2.0

HOUSE BILL NO. HB0314

Eminent domain study.

Sponsored by: Representative(s) Winter

A BILL

for

AN ACT relating to eminent domain; requiring the joint corporations, elections and political subdivisions interim committee to commence a study regarding eminent domain as specified; requiring a report; and providing for an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:

Section 1
.

(a)

During the 2025 interim, the joint corporations, elections and political subdivisions interim committee shall study issues surrounding the use of the power of eminent domain in the state. As part of the study, the committee shall consider the following issues at a minimum:

(i)

Adequate compensation for the taking of property through the use of eminent domain;

(ii)

Reclamation and restoration of property after an easement is released;

(iii)

Liability for damages caused by the utilization of property acquired through eminent domain;

(iv)

Reasons the power of eminent domain can be used;

(v)

Parties authorized to use the power of eminent domain;

(vi)

Abandonment of easements acquired through eminent domain; and

(vii)

Types of land that can be acquired through eminent domain.

(b)

Based upon the study required by subsection (a) of this section, the joint corporations, elections and political subdivisions interim committee shall prepare any recommended legislation for consideration during the 2026 budget session.

Section 2
.

This act is effective immediately upon completion of all acts necessary for a bill to become law as provided by Article 4, Section 8 of the Wyoming Constitution
.

(END)

1
HB0314