"I am pleased that the Governor chose to sign House Joint Resolution (HJR) 14 in San Antonio, in front of the Alamo, there is no stronger symbol of Texas' centuries long commitment to the rights of private property owners."

HJR 14 will allow Texans to vote on a constitutional amendment that would strengthen land owners’ rights. The amendment, which will be voted on in November 2009, will enhance the private property protections established in Senate Bill (SB) 7, which prohibits government acquisition of land for non-public purposes, such as commercial economic development or private use.

"I am proud to have been a part of a team of legislators that worked diligently with all interested parties to craft an eminent domain bill that strengthens landowner protections but still provides municipalities with the ability to modernize their communities."