HC 33 Would Amend Constitution To Protect Property Rights

This morning, HC 33 passed the House. HC 33 would amend the Mississippi Constitution to restrict the use of eminent domain. The amendment would prohibit the use of of eminent domain from private economic development projects.

This initiative arose out of the United States Supreme Court Kelo decision dealing with taking private property for someone else's private development in New London, Connecticut. Since this decision was made, many states have been moving to protect the private property rights of their citizens.

Owning property is one of the most fundamental rights established at the beginning of this nation. Protecting a person's right to keep what he or she owns is a worthy pursuit.