IA HF939

Defines "common carrier" for eminent domain purposes as a commercial enterprise that transports goods or passengers for hire as a public employment, serving all persons indifferently within its capacity

Requires hazardous liquid carriers to prove by clear and convincing evidence they will transport a commodity for one or more unaffiliated shippers who retain ownership or sell to parties other than the carrier to qualify as common carriers

Increases the burden of proof for acquiring agencies seeking eminent domain under Chapter 479B (hazardous liquid pipelines) from preponderance of the evidence to clear and convincing evidence that the use meets public use/purpose/improvement definitions

Prohibits pipeline companies from being vested with eminent domain rights unless they qualify as common carriers under the new definition

Takes effect upon enactment and applies to condemnation proceedings where the application is filed on or after the effective date