Texans scored an “important but incomplete” victory by an overwhelming margin in the battle for private property rights with the passage of Proposition 11.

The approximately 80 percent favorable vote is a clear message to the Legislature and the Governor that Texans are tired of eminent domain reform taking a back seat to political ambitions and business interests. But even with the passage of Proposition 11, Texas eminent domain laws still favor the condemner.

True reform will happen only when additional protections are added to eminent domain law such as offers to landowners that represent fair market value, compensation to landowners for lost access to their property and the right of landowners to repurchase land not used for condemning purposes.

Texas legislators in the last two sessions have proven willing to level the playing field for property owners. Except for his support for Proposition 11, the governor hasn’t.  

Hopefully, whoever sits in the governor’s seat when the legislature meets again in 2011 will hear Texas Farm Bureau’s message loud and clear. Proposition 11 is an important step for eminent domain reform in the Lone Star State, but only a step.

Texas Farm Bureau members worked hard to ensure the overwhelming passage of this important private property rights amendment to the Texas Constitution. We will redouble efforts to make sure the job is complete.