Virginia voters approve property rights amendment
Compiled by Kathleen M. Dutro
Public Relations Team
Virginia voters approved by a wide margin a property rights measure that had the strong backing of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. The measure, Question 1, passed with 75 percent approval.
The amendment requires all government and private condemning authorities to assure that any eminent domain condemnation is for public purposes, not for private gain. It also requires that property owners be paid fair market value for their land, limits a taking to land necessary for the public purpose, and requires compensation to landowners for lost business and access.
“All farmers depend on their land for their livelihood, and the amendment to Virginia’s constitution that voters approved this week will help protect their property rights,” said Wayne Pryor, president of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “We’re pleased the General Assembly and the governor worked with us to put this amendment to a popular vote, and we’re looking forward to it going into effect on Jan. 1, 2013.”