By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Governor Matt Blunt has named a task force to look into eminent domain in Missouri.
The governor was critical of last week's Supreme Court decision that allows cities to seize and bulldoze homes to make way for private development. He says governments should exercise their power of eminent domain only when it's clearly in the public interest.
The task force will study ways to protect Missouri property owners from eminent-domain seizures. It will look over current laws in Missouri and recommend whether any others should be passed.
The panel will also offer standards for the state and local governments to use when considering seizing property.
Members of the task force have until the end of the year to offer its ideas.