Texas Public Policy Foundation

Policy Primer: Eminent Domain - Protecting Property Rights After Kelo
Nov. 9, 2005

The Kelo decision by the U.S. Supreme Court exposes some fundamental weaknesses in Texas law when it comes to protecting property rights. Now that the federal protections have been stripped away by Kelo, the deficiencies in Texas law offer only limited protection for private property owners. This policy primer discusses the impact of Kelo on Texas and examine key aspects of eminent domain policy that will be deliberated when the 80th Texas Legislature meets in 2007.

Panelists:

  • Rep. Frank Corte, sponsor of SB 7, eminent domain bill
  • Ted Cruz, Solicitor General of Texas
  • Clark Neily, Senior Attorney for the Institute of Justice
  • Donald Lee, Executive Director, Texas Conference of Urban Counties
  • Wright Gore III, Western Seafood of Freeport, Texas (threatened by eminent domain proceedings)