Governor Perdue Signs Eminent Domain Legislation
Protects Georgians Against the Abuse of Eminent Domain

ATLANTA (Apr. 4) – Today in a ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Sonny Perdue signed the Landowner's Bill of Rights and Private Property Protection Act (HB1313), protecting private landowners in Georgia against the abuse of eminent domain. Governor Perdue also signed HR1306, a constitutional amendment requiring that the condemnation of property be approved by a vote of the elected governing authority of the county or city in which the property is located. 

   "This legislation and constitutional amendment changes the whole presumption of eminent domain from the power of government to the power of the people," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "It is wrong for your house, your land and your property to be held in jeopardy at the sway of a powerful government." 

   House Floor Leader Rich Golick and Senate Rules Chairman Don Balfour carried these measures in the House and Senate. 

   "I want to thank them for listening to the voice, the heart and the emotions of Georgians when we say that personal property rights are important to us," said Governor Perdue.