The Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee on Feb. 14 adopted an amendment and reported substitute House Bill 1733 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.

Representative Jacobson moved Amendment H1378 (notation H1378.1 in committee), which would provide that an increased cap of $200,000 for reimbursing small businesses, farms, or nonprofits for reestablishment expenses must be adjusted annually for inflation. Speaking in favor of the amendment, Representative Jacobson framed eminent domain as a serious taking of property and argued that the state should ensure just compensation, including relocation costs. “Eminent domain is a … taking of someone’s property,” Jacobson said. “If someone is not expecting to move their business and the government has a public purpose in taking that business then we should pay the freight on that.”

Representative Tai and other members supported the inflation-adjustment provision as a way to keep the reimbursement amount current. The committee voice-voted to adopt Amendment H1378.1; later, the committee voted to report the substitute bill out by roll call. Staff announced 13 ayes, 0 nays.

By committee action the substitute House Bill 1733, including the adopted amendment, will move to the chamber with a recommendation to pass. Committee discussion repeatedly referenced the constitutional requirement to provide just compensation for takings; Representative Jacobson specifically cited Article I, Section 16 of the state constitution and the U.S. Constitution when discussing just compensation.

Votes at a glance: Amendment H1378.1 — adopted by voice vote. Substitute House Bill 1733 — reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation; committee tally 13–0.