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Property-rights bill that would allow compensation claims for zoning changes rolled after extensive objections
Summary
SB 19-08 (Private Property Vesting Rights Act) would let property owners seek just compensation when land-use regulations enacted or applied after acquisition reduce fair-market value; multiple witnesses warned it would spur litigation and impede local planning, and the committee rolled the bill for two weeks for further work.
Senator Stevens described SB 19-08, the Private Property Vesting Rights Act, which would allow owners to seek just compensation when a land-use regulation enacted or applied after acquisition reduces the property's fair-market value. The bill sets a three-year window to submit a written demand and gives public entities 90 days to resolve claims before an owner may sue. The sponsor said the measure provides clarity and predictability for property owners.
Multiple witnesses and committee members expressed deep concern. George Nolan, a farmer and lawyer, argued the bill would enable developers to bully local governments and could bankrupt city and county budgets by requiring payment of claimants' attorney fees and expert costs. Senators questioned whether the bill would apply to planning actions, growth-area designations, or variances; several members asked for additional changes. The sponsor requested time to revise language and the chair agreed to roll SB 19-08 for two weeks to allow further drafting and input.
