Idaho Bill Limiting Eminent Domain Head to Governor’s Desk

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A plan to take away the government's power to force Idaho residents to give up their land for trails and greenways is headed to the governor's desk.

The House voted 54-15 to pass the bill on Monday. Republican Representative Christy Perry says the power — called eminent domain — infringes on personal property rights. She says stripping the power from local governments would level the playing field in negotiations with citizens who are asked to sell the land.

Democratic Representative Ilana Rubel says eminent domain is rarely used. But she argues that it would be nearly impossible for a city to form a strip of land long enough for a path or greenway unless the government could threaten to use that power. The Senate passed the bill 20-13 last month.