Oppose SB 703

LOUISANA RESIDENTS OPPOSED TO SB 703

We, the undersigned, are in opposition to SB 703 that grants “quick-take” property expropriation powers for road and sewerage projects in Ascension Parish for the following reasons. Ascension parish, like every other parish in the state, already has expropriation powers under DOTD statutes.  Ascension parish presently, however, has NO road or sewage plans with timelines, prioritized projects, or cost analyses. Because there are no specific plans that address these major infrastructure areas, this bill grants unneeded and unjustified quick take powers to local government.  If passed, the bill will also set, statewide, a dangerous and inappropriate legal precedent to allow other local governments to "expropriate property quickly" without first doing due diligence.  SB 703 is unclear and contradicts itself in many places in regards to legal processes involved in the quick taking of private property.  Even with amendments of the reengrossed bill, SB703’s federal and state constitutionality remains highly suspect.  Considering the continued use of language such as "ex parte," "tried contradictory with preference to the judge alone," and related language, we believe that due process rights of property owners are violated.  In the absence of detailed road and sewerage plans by the parish, the bill could also be used arbitrarily, or worse, punitively, against private property owners. Overall, SB 703 is a bad bill; it represents little more than a power grab by local government.  We view the bill as an act of aggression against the citizens of Ascension.

Samantha Thibodeaux    Contact the author of the petition