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DEL.ICIO.USVoters limit eminent domain
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Voters in Georgia approved three constitutional amendments today, including one that would limit the ability of government to seize land for public use.
The ballot initiative to limit eminent domain passed by an overwhelming margin, with 82 percent of voters supporting the measure, according to returns from about 84 percent of precincts statewide.
The eminent-domain issue sparked national debate after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the right of local governments to buy land to clear the way for commerical development.
The government justified taking the land on the rationale that new development would generate tax revenue and jobs, but several states have passed laws in reaction to the decision. Those laws seek to restrict the ability of governments to seize land in such cases.
About 81 percent of voters have supported an amendment designed to protect the tradition of hunting and fishing. About 67 percent voted to let the state legislature spend tax revenue from the sales of specialty license plates to support certain charitable organizations.
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