AN ACT relating to eminent domain and declaring an emergency.

Amend KRS 382.850 to require a condemnor in an eminent domain action involving property subject to a conservation easement to provide a written report to the court justifying the condemnation due to lack of feasible alternative locations; allow the court to dismiss the condemnation action if the lack of alternative locations is not demonstrated; amend KRS 262.850 to require a condemnor in an eminent domain action involving property located in an agricultural district to provide…

Agriculture Civil Actions Civil Procedure Effective Dates, Emergency Eminent Domain and Condemnation Environment and Conservation Notices Property Public Utilities Real Estate Local Mandate

Introduced: February 3, 2026

Last action: April 13, 2026

(Acts Ch. 112)

In effect since April 13, 2026

This act carries an emergency clause, so it took effect as soon as it became law instead of waiting the usual 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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This bill changes the rules for eminent domain, which is the legal process by which government or certain private entities can take private property for public use. It adds new protections for property owners, including requiring those seeking to take land to prove in writing that no other feasible location exists, banning deceptive or intimidating negotiation tactics, giving owners more time and rights to get their own appraisal, and ensuring agricultural improvements and existing structures…

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