SB 5577 - DIGEST

Finds, in the wake of the supreme court's decision in Kelo v. City of New London, that abuse of eminent domain is a threat to the property rights of all private property owners.

Finds that Washington citizens should not have to fear the government taking their homes, farms, or businesses to give to other persons. Governments should not abuse the power of eminent domain to force property owners from their land in order to develop that land into industrial and commercial property.

Declares that it is the policy of the state of Washington to encourage, support, and promote the private ownership of property and to ensure that the constitutional and other legal rights of private property owners are protected by Washington state government.