Pages Menu
Categories Menu

Posted on Sep 24, 2018 in Audio, Editorial, Featured, Your Texas Agriculture Minute

YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

 

Eminent domain first offer can be a trap for landowners

By Gene Hall

When corporations and governments move to acquire private lands for public needs, it triggers a process that’s part of eminent domain. Some of these property takers start the process in good faith. Some don’t.

There’s always a first offer. Landowners might be told they have no choices. Sometimes, intimidated by the prospect of facing a multimillion-dollar corporation or a government in court, this first offer is accepted.

The fact is property owners do have choices. At the very least, they should discuss the expectations for restoring the land to the extent possible. Very often there is a higher offer to be had.

There are hundreds of cases where landowners improve their position by negotiating. Often, when they take the matter to court, they win.

There is only one certain way to settle this—require a genuine good faith offer as a matter of Texas law. The Texas Legislature will face this issue in Austin early next year. Let them know what you think.

If you own a foot of property in Texas, next time, it could be you.

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

You may read this week’s editorial above or listen to the audio version.

Media outlets: This content may be used without further permission.

Related Images: