Committee opens bill file to extend Land Use and Eminent Domain Advisory Board sunset for 10 years

The House Business and Labor Interim Committee heard a presentation from Jordan Cullimore of the Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman and Ari Bruening, chair of the Land Use and Eminent Domain Advisory Board, then voted to open a bill file to extend the advisory board's sunset by 10 years.

What was presented: Cullimore reviewed the ombudsman office’s mission — mediation and arbitration of takings and eminent domain disputes, advisory opinions on land-use disputes, and statewide land-use training coordination. He said the advisory board provides credibility and neutrality for the office and administers the Land Use Training Fund. Ari Bruening, the board chair, told the committee the board saves the state money by mediating disputes and keeping them out of court and helps ensure the office’s neutrality.

Committee action: Senator Evan Vickers made a motion to open a committee bill file to extend the sunset for 10 years. The committee voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously. Committee chairs and staff will proceed with drafting and further review.

Why this matters: The advisory board supports the ombudsman’s role as a low-cost dispute resolver for property rights and provides oversight of land-use training funds; extending the sunset keeps the current advisory structure in place while allowing continued evaluation under review rules.

Next steps: A committee bill file will be opened to prepare draft language for a 10-year extension and staff will coordinate with the ombudsman office if legislative changes are proposed.