HEA 1076 Summary

• Reduces the timeframe for filing eminent domain complaints from 6 years to 3 years after submitting a written acquisition offer to a property owner for state highway, toll road, or toll bridge projects.

• Applies to the Indiana Department of Transportation and other entities exercising eminent domain for feeder roads connected to INDOT projects, provided construction begins within 5 years of the main project's conclusion.

• If the 3-year filing deadline is missed, the department or other person cannot initiate the same or substantially similar project through eminent domain for at least 3 additional years.

• Requires courts to expedite hearings for eminent domain actions filed under this provision and entitles parties to expedited appeals of the court's final determination.

• Takes effect July 1, 2014.