Senator Kissel Pleased With Legislative Progress Thus Far on Eminent Domain

Judiciary Committee To Hold Public Hearing Today at 2PM

State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) is pleased with the progress members of the State Legislature have made thus far pursuing possible adjustment to the state’s eminent domain laws. That progress will continue today as The Judiciary Committee, on which Senator Kissel serves as Ranking Member, holds a Public Hearing on eminent domain at 2PM in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Over the summer, both the Judiciary Committee and the Planning and Development Committee held hearings on the issue in order to provide legislators with a variety of perspectives to consider prior to drafting adjustments to eminent domain laws currently in Connecticut statute.

“I am pleased with the progress we have made thus far and I am looking forward to hearing from the public so I, along with my fellow committee members, can hear their perspective on this very critical issue,” said Senator Kissel. “This summer’s hearings provided us with ample information from a variety of experts. Today’s hearing should be equally informative as we continue to seek the best direction for the state to take in regards to its eminent domain laws.”

The Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision in the case of Kelo v. The City of New London , which allowed the City to seize public property for use in a privately owned economic development project, brought the issue of eminent domain to the attention of state lawmakers.

Senator Kissel is a Deputy Minority Leader and is serving his seventh term representing East Granby, Enfield, Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.