Bill Limiting Municipal Eminent Domain Power Headed to Otter’s Desk

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A bill to block the use of eminent domain by cities to create hiking trails, bike paths and greenways has cleared the Idaho Senate.

The Post Register reports (http://www.postregister.com/node/74545) that the bill passed on a 20-13 vote on Monday and now goes to a House committee and another floor vote. It would then go to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to be signed into law.

Republican Sen. Jim Guthrie of McCammon sponsored the bill and says eminent domain gives cities too much power.

Eminent domain is the ability of government to seize land.

Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper asked lawmakers to reject the bill because eminent domain is an important bargaining power for cities and protects taxpayers from overpaying.

She also says greenbelt walkways are important assets for cities.