On February 21, 2026, residents of New Hampshire gathered at a town hall meeting to voice their concerns over a proposed expansion of eminent domain laws in the state. The proposed legislation, known as Senate Bill 125, would grant local governments the power to seize private property for economic development purposes.Opponents of the bill argue that this expansion of eminent domain powers could lead to abuse by local governments and infringe upon property rights. Many residents fear that their homes and businesses could be taken away from them without adequate compensation.One resident, Jane Smith, expressed her concerns at the town hall meeting, stating, "I have worked hard to build my business from the ground up, and now I am worried that it could be taken away from me at any moment. This bill threatens the very foundation of property rights in our state."Supporters of the bill, on the other hand, argue that the expanded use of eminent domain is necessary for economic growth and development in the state. They believe that giving local governments the power to seize property for projects such as infrastructure improvements and commercial developments will benefit the community as a whole.Senator John Doe, who introduced the bill, defended the proposed legislation, stating, "Eminent domain is a vital tool for public projects that benefit the greater good. This bill will help stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities for residents of New Hampshire."The debate over the proposed expansion of eminent domain powers is expected to continue in the coming weeks, as residents and lawmakers grapple with the balance between economic development and individual property rights. Stay tuned for updates on this important issue that could have far-reaching implications for the residents of New Hampshire.