Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
The Tennessee Property Rights Protection Act received the green light in the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee on Tuesday afternoon to advance to the House floor where it will be up for a final vote.
House Bill 0444 (HB0444) received almost a unanimous vote with twenty-two of the twenty-three committee members in attendance in favor. Nashville Democrat Bob Freeman was present but chose not to vote.
The legislation, sponsored by Representative Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport-District 2), deletes the current definition of a “blighted area” and defines “blighted property” for the purposes of condemnation by housing authorities.
The bill also clarifies that housing authorities may acquire real property without using eminent domain and authorizes such authorities to pay more than fair market value for properties that while in a blighted area are not blighted.
Hulsey recently spoke with The Tennessee Conservative about what prompted the bill’s filing, and what it does. Watch here.
SbThe Senate companion bill, sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma-District 16) received bipartisan support and passed in the Senate unanimously with a 30-0 vote last week.
While HB0444 is not yet scheduled for the House floor, you may contact your Representative in advance of the vote.
Find your representative by using the Find My Legislator Tool here.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Good!