Delegates James and Riley Introduce Private Property Protection Legislation

11-Mar-2010 Annapolis, March 11, 2010; Delegate Mary-Dulany James and her colleague Delegate B. Daniel Riley have introduced a bill (HB1541) to protect a property owner in their district. This is a private property rights bill to prevent the state from the taking of land without just compensation to the owner.

Delegate James indicated that further clarification to the bill may be necessary but "the spirit of the bill is unchanging." She went on to say "this legislation is to protect my constituent from an unfair taking of land". The fifth amendment of the U.S. Constitution offers a protection against the taking of private property without just compensation. This bill is intended to ensure the State of Maryland does not violate the rights of property owners in Harford County.

As always, more information about this bill will be provided through Delegate James' weekly email newsletter in the coming weeks.