Transportation corridor bill circled after extended property-rights debate

Representative Dillard presented House Bill 13 to amend transportation corridor preservation statutes, including an extension from 20 to 30 years in some circumstances and changes to how excess land would be handled. The sponsor said the change aims to align corridor preservation with long-range metropolitan planning horizons and to reduce litigation and cost. Committee amendments removed an unrealistic requirement to return excess land at the original price in some municipal statutes.

Opponents raised private-property and equity concerns, arguing the bill could leave landowners in limbo and allow the state to benefit from rising land values; one member described the prospect of the state being "in the land speculation business" and urged that reversion language protect the original owner's equity. Supporters said the bill strengthens property-owner protections in some respects and noted that the program has not historically used eminent domain and is meant to avoid future hardship.

Floor members debated multiple amendment options, including restoring language to return surplus land at original purchase price or offering interest-adjusted buybacks. Because of the unresolved equity concerns and multiple drafting issues that cut across different sections of statute, the sponsor moved to circle the bill and consult stakeholders. The motion to circle carried, postponing further floor action.

Next steps: Sponsor to consult with stakeholders, consider amendments about buyback pricing and equity, and return the bill to the floor after revision.