HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Senate State Government Committee Majority Chairman Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) will convene an offsite public hearing in Centre County to receive testimony regarding eminent domain abuse and its impact on the private property rights of farmers, job-creating employers and homeowners.
Monday’s hearing will also focus on factors to consider when establishing fair market value for any private property confiscated through Pennsylvania’s Eminent Domain Code (Title 26, Section 101). Fully supported by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Chairman Dush’s legislation to help protect farm owners whose agricultural properties are seized through eminent domain and the corresponding loss of goodwill will also be examined.
By ensuring that farmers are substantially compensated for any land they are forced to sell, Senate Bill 800 seeks to restore the inherent and indefeasible rights of enjoying life and liberty, and acquiring, possessing, and protecting property in the pursuit of happiness as specified in Article 1, Section 1 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
WHO: With eminent domain confiscation most recently endangering fundamental private property rights in Centre, Elk and Jefferson counties, featured testifiers will include: Jess Darlington, Centre County resident and farmer who is being threatened by eminent domain due to PennDOT’s Route 322 connector project; Andy Bater, member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s board of directors; and Scott Jacobs, small business owner impacted by eminent domain.
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 22, beginning at 11 a.m.
WHERE: 301 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte, PA
LIVESTREAM: Barring technical difficulties, Monday’s public hearing will be live streamed here.
CONTACT: Ty McCauslin, Communications Director at 717-787-7084 or tmccauslin@pasen.gov.