Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires entities using eminent domain to first attend mediation with the affected landowners and complete a state permit before commencing eminent domain proceedings in South Dakota.

Highlights:

• Requires that government entities seeking to use eminent domain proceedings to condemn a property to first attend a good faith mediation meeting within 60 days with affected landowners and then complete a state permit before commencing eminent domain proceedings in South Dakota (Sec. 2-4).

• Requires that government condemners provide property owners with 90 days of notice before commencement of eminent domain proceedings and pay any associated costs with the mediation (Sec. 2-4).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text