A bill for an act relating to the exercise of eminent domain for the construction of hazardous liquid pipelines and including effective date and applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Alons and 10 co-sponsors

Bill SF 92 allows utilities to condemn agricultural land for hazardous liquid pipelines without landowner consent, streamlining infrastructure development.

Subcommittee: Webster, Sweeney, and Wahls.

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Summary of Bill SF 92

Bill Number: SF 92
Title: A bill for an act relating to the exercise of eminent domain for the construction of hazardous liquid pipelines and including effective date and applicability provisions.
Introduced: January 22, 2025
Status: Subcommittee: Webster, Sweeney, and Wahls.
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Agricultural Land, Eminent Domain, Hazardous Liquid Pipelines, Utilities, Water Utilities, Storm Water Management

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill SF 92 is to modify the existing laws governing the exercise of eminent domain specifically for the construction of hazardous liquid pipelines. The bill aims to clarify the conditions under which utilities can condemn agricultural land without the consent of landowners, thereby facilitating the development of infrastructure related to hazardous liquids.

Key Provisions

Definition of Utility: The bill expands the definition of a utility to include not only traditional providers of gas, electricity, and water but also:

Joint water utilities
Rural water districts
Cooperative water associations
Electric transmission owners primarily serving public utilities

Eminent Domain Exemption: Under current law, utilities are exempt from needing landowner consent when using eminent domain for private development. This bill maintains that exemption specifically for the construction of hazardous liquid pipelines.

Effective Date: The bill will take effect immediately upon enactment. It will apply to all condemnation proceedings for which the application is filed on or after the effective date.

Impact

Affected Parties: The bill primarily impacts:

Agricultural landowners who may face condemnation of their land for pipeline construction.
Utilities involved in the construction and operation of hazardous liquid pipelines.
Local governments and regulatory bodies overseeing land use and utility operations.

Infrastructure Development: By streamlining the process for utilities to acquire land for hazardous liquid pipelines, the bill may expedite infrastructure projects that are deemed necessary for public utility services.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Actions:

January 22, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Commerce Committee.
January 23, 2025: Assigned to a subcommittee consisting of members Webster, Sweeney, and Wahls for further consideration.

This summary provides an overview of Bill SF 92, outlining its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on stakeholders involved in agricultural land and utility services.