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WV HB4338
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/15/2026
Primary Sponsor
Larry Kump
Click for details
AI Summary
- Restricts eminent domain for economic development by prohibiting the taking of "unblighted" private property when the primary purpose is transferring ownership to another private entity
- Narrows the definition of "blighted property" by removing "age or obsolescence," "high density of population and overcrowding," and "deterioration of site or other improvements" as qualifying conditions
- Requires slum clearance and redevelopment authorities to comply with the new eminent domain limitations in §54-1-2(a)(11) when acquiring property for redevelopment projects
- Removes the provision that specifically allowed municipal urban renewal authorities to exercise eminent domain within designated slum or blighted areas
- Amends three sections of West Virginia Code: §16-18-3 (definitions), §16-18-8 (eminent domain for slum clearance), and §54-1-2 (public uses for taking private property)
Legislative Description
Relating to Eminent Domain
Municipalities
Last Action
To House Judiciary
1/15/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary1/15/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available