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House debates redevelopment bill, removes and then circles proposals on RDAs’ eminent-domain power
Summary
Lawmakers debated a substitute to House Bill 67 that would strip redevelopment agencies of eminent-domain authority; an offered amendment to reinstate eminent-domain rights prompted further debate and the bill was circled for later consideration.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House took up substitute House Bill 67 on Feb. 8, addressing redevelopment agencies and the use of eminent domain.
Representative Steve Hunter, sponsor of the substitute, said the measure would preserve redevelopment agencies but remove their power to exercise eminent domain for private development projects. "The only thing that is affected by this bill is the use of eminent domain for private use," Hunter said on the floor.
Representative Hickman offered pink-sheet amendments that would reinstate RDAs’ ability to use eminent domain, arguing that local redevelopment projects often require the tool to assemble parcels and that in many communities the authority had been used without abuse. Hickman described local experience in Saint George where RDAs helped revive a downtown that otherwise would have deteriorated.
After debate and an offered amendment, members voted to 'circle' the bill (set it aside for further work) rather than complete final action on the floor. The vote to circle the bill passed; leadership indicated the House would revisit the measure later in the day.
What’s next: HB 67 is circled for further consideration; amendments and stakeholder concerns about property rights and economic development will be points to monitor as the bill moves through the process.
