South Dakota – Pioneer In Property Rights Protection

In an unprecedented show of bipartisan support for property rights, the South Dakota Senate has unanimously approved a bill (HB 1080) that

Ensures that government agencies cannot condemn land for economic development. … Under HB1080, counties, municipalities and housing and redevelopment commissions cannot transfer property to private or nongovernmental entity primarily for “enhancement” of tax revenue. It also stipulates that after seven years, if land isn’t used for the purpose for which it was acquired, it must be offered for sale to the original owner of the property.

This is after the South Dakota House itself nearly unanimously passed the bill. The governor has signed it. States like South Dakota should be proud of its leadership in this area. Let’s hope other states follow its lead.