Eminent Domain Eminent Domain is a hot topic among Tennessee lawmakers. I disagree with the Tennessean article to a degree, because the issue will most likely be one of the defining moments for candidates and voters in Weakley County. Apparently some legislators are paying attention to the eminent domain issue. Several lawmakers have introduced bills to restrict or ban the seizure of privately owned land by government. Nearly 30 bills could be considered this legislative session. Some examples: Senate Bill 2413, sponsored by Sen. Jamie Woodson, R-Knoxville. Specifies that using eminent domain to seize someone's land purely to boost an area's tax revenues would not be a valid public use. Senate Bill 3542, sponsored by Sen. Roy Herron, D-Dresden. Would prohibit the state or any entity granted the powers of eminent domain from taking private property in the name of economic development whenever other property is available for acquisition from willing sellers.  ¶ 2/20/2006 05:16:00 AM