Recognizes that in condemnation proceedings individual property owners are often severely disadvantaged in trying to compete with the resources available to many of the entities, both governmental and corporate, that possess the power of eminent domain.

Finds that individual property owners are often effectively coerced into selling their property because they cannot afford to contest a condemnation proceeding. The legislature further finds that the current law does not properly encourage entities with the power of eminent domain to exercise that power as sparingly as possible.

Declares an intent to provide property owners with the possibility of more realistic reimbursement of costs they may incur in responding to a threatened condemnation of their property, and to require the exploration of alternatives to condemnation before the power of eminent domain is used.