Eminent Domain Task Force Sets Meeting Dates, Adds Members

The Joint Task Force on Eminent Domain formed by Sen. Clark Jolley (R-Edmond) and Rep. Mark Liotta (R-Tulsa) has announced three meeting dates in August. Jolley and Liotta formed the ad hoc task force to consider the ramifications of the U.S. Supreme Court's Kelo vs. City of New London ruling on Oklahoma property owners and to develop a legislative remedy to the decision.

The Task Force will meet at the State Capitol on August 11, August 23 and August 25. On August 11, the task force will hear from Terry Shipley, one of several experts on Oklahoma's law and interpretation of eminent domain, including the Oklahoma Supreme Court Case House of Realty vs. City of Midwest City, which dealt specifically with Eminent Domain's use in Economic Development.

The August 23 meeting will allow some time for public comment from citizens who wish to address the issue. Those in the general public who wish to address the task force may do so by scheduling in advance with Senator Jolley's Capitol office. Time will be limited in consideration of hearing as many views as possible.

On August 25, the Task Force will hear any last minute testimony and will discuss model language for use by the Legislature in considering Eminent Domain legislation in the next session of the Legislature.

In addition, Sen. Jolley and Rep. Liotta announced four additional members of the task force. They are: Senator Randy Brogdon (R-Owasso), Representatives Marian Cooksey (R-Edmond), Darrell Gilbert (D-Tulsa) and Ann Coody (R-Lawton).

"I'm very pleased that we have expanded our ranks to include more persons committed to reviewing the eminent domain laws in Oklahoma," said Sen. Jolley. "We look forward to continuing our work on this and hopefully coming up with a proposal by the end of August."