Gov. Rick Perrys Veto of House Bill 2006

“We are disappointed by the veto of House Bill 2006 which we believe to be the most significant legislation recognizing and protecting Texans’ most fundamental property rights in decades. 

“The Supreme Court’s 2005 Kelo decision gave government wide latitude in the exercise of eminent domain to take people’s property.  As a result Texas property owners were depending on the state to strengthen property rights protections to prevent Kelo-style takings from occurring in Texas.

“Unfortunately this veto exposes property owners from Freeport to El Paso to the very real threat of eminent domain.

“Although the public outcry against Kelo was overwhelming many government entities that are in the business of taking private property from its citizens celebrated the Kelo decision for making their job easier.  They are celebrating again today while property owners in Texas are forced to wait until 2009 when they will fight for these property rights protections to be passed by the Texas Legislature again. 

In the meantime we hope that Texans will stand up to government attempts to seize their property in the name of economic development.”