Letter: Senate failed Kentucky landowners by killing eminent domain bill

To the Editor,

On March 21, with a bipartisan 75-16 vote, HB 31, passed the House and was sent to the Senate. Senate Leadership refused to assign this bill to a committee or allow a vote on Sen. Higdon’s related SB 14.

In an effort to protect land owners’ rights Sen. Higdon filed floor amendments to three different bills, which is a total of five bills that Senate Leadership didn’t allow to advance.

On March 31 he filed an amendment to a bill being considered on the Senate floor. He asked for a suspension of the rules because he was not able to give 24-hour notice. Sen. Thayer spoke against the request and asked Sen. Stivers to rule the motion out of order, which he did. Thayer and Stivers will argue that they acted properly. The reality is if they wanted the property rights legislation to receive a vote, they were given an easy chance to allow it.

The eminent domain legislation affects every land owner in the state, and is in line with Kentucky’s statute and constitution. It has no effect on the state budget and would not stop any project. It has bipartisan support in the House and Senate, is endorsed by Governor Beshear and has been requested by the community.

Six bills were filed, any one of which would do the job, and a small number of individuals has prevented the Senate from having a vote.

The lessons taught in my high school Civic class have no bearing on the Kentucky Legislature!

If you’re a concerned land owner, call the legislative line (1-800-372-7181) before April 14 and tell your representatives to support Sen. Higdon’s and Rep. Floyd’s efforts to protect property rights for all Kentucky landowners.

Ronald Cook
St. Francis, Ky.

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