In a landmark move aimed at protecting property owners, California Governor James Thompson signed a bill into law today that restricts the use of eminent domain powers by local governments. The bill, known as Assembly Bill 987, comes after years of controversy and debate surrounding eminent domain practices in the state.Under the new law, local governments will no longer be able to seize private property for economic development purposes. Instead, eminent domain will only be allowed for public use projects such as building roads, schools, or hospitals. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that property owners are properly compensated for any land taken through eminent domain.Governor Thompson, who has been a vocal advocate for property rights throughout his political career, praised the passage of the bill as a victory for California residents. "Eminent domain is a powerful tool that should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary," he said in a statement. "This new law strikes the right balance between the needs of the community and the rights of property owners."The debate over eminent domain in California has been a contentious one, with critics arguing that it has been abused by local governments to benefit powerful developers at the expense of residents. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of eminent domain abuse, including the controversial seizure of a family farm to make way for a luxury shopping center.Supporters of the new law hope that it will prevent such cases from happening in the future. "This law is a crucial step in protecting the rights of property owners in California," said Sarah Johnson, a local activist who has been fighting against eminent domain abuse for years. "It sends a clear message that the government cannot simply take your property without just cause."While the new law is seen as a victory for property rights advocates, some critics argue that it could hinder future development projects that could benefit the community. However, Governor Thompson has assured that the bill includes provisions to ensure that eminent domain can still be used for necessary public projects. "This law does not prevent development, it simply ensures that it is done in a fair and transparent manner," he said.Overall, the passage of Assembly Bill 987 marks a significant shift in California's eminent domain policies and will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on future land use decisions in the state. Property owners can now rest assured that their rights are better protected, while local governments will need to carefully consider the implications of any future eminent domain actions.