Fighting Eminent Domain Abuse

South Gate Assemblyman Hector De La Torre is proposing a ballot measure to address eminent domain abuse, but business leaders say it doesn't go far enough. Eminent domain has been traditionally used to allow governments to take private property for public uses - such as building roads, schools or other public works. In recent years however, many local governments have used the process to acquire property to then be turned over to commercial developers to build shopping centers, housing, etc. Many have argued this violates fundamental private property rights and is a perversion of the original purpose of eminent domain. In recent years private homes and small businesses have been taken only to be given to politically connected developers.

De La Torre's ACA 8 - if placed on the ballot by the Legislature and approved by voters - would protect owner occupied units from eminent domain for commercial purposes.

Some legislative Republicans and business leaders say that ACA 8 doesn't go far enough to protect investment properties or even properties owned by churches or non-profit organizations.

The opponents to ACA 8 are planning competing measures that will be more broad.