By Bill Raack, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – A task force set up by Governor Matt Blunt to study eminent domain laws has begun its work.
The panel was established in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gave local governments broader powers to seize private property for private developments.
At the task force's first meeting Thursday, St. Louis attorney Stan Wallach, who specializes in eminent domain cases, outlined the history of the issue in Missouri.
"My first reaction was that this was a very qualified and educated panel and they seem to take great interest in the issue and seem to be very dedicated to propose some reforms, which is what the governor's asked them to do," Wallach said.
The task force will study state law to see if changes are needed to protect owners of private property. The panel is expected to have initial ideas by October, with a final report by year's end.