On July 6, 2025, the South Carolina Legislature passed a landmark eminent domain reform bill aimed at protecting property owners from unfair seizures by government authorities. The bill, which had been hotly debated for months, was finally approved by a vote of 45-5 in the state Senate and 100-20 in the House of Representatives.The new legislation, known as the Property Rights Protection Act, establishes stricter guidelines for the use of eminent domain in South Carolina. Under the law, government entities are required to prove that a property seizure is necessary for a public use or purpose before taking possession of land. Additionally, property owners must be provided with fair compensation for their land, including any improvements made to the property.One of the key provisions of the bill is a requirement for a public hearing before eminent domain can be used. This will give property owners the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns before a final decision is made. The law also includes provisions for appeal processes, to ensure that property owners have a chance to challenge any decisions made by government authorities.The passage of the Property Rights Protection Act comes in response to a series of high-profile eminent domain cases in South Carolina, where property owners have been forced to give up their land for projects ranging from highways to commercial developments. The new legislation is seen as a victory for property rights advocates, who have long argued that eminent domain abuses have become all too common in the state.Governor Sarah Thompson, who had championed the reform bill, praised the Legislature for taking action to protect property owners in South Carolina. In a statement following the bill's passage, she said, "This legislation represents a major step forward in safeguarding the property rights of all South Carolinians. It ensures that eminent domain will only be used when absolutely necessary and that property owners will be treated fairly throughout the process."The Property Rights Protection Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving government entities and property owners time to familiarize themselves with the new requirements. Supporters of the bill hope that it will serve as a model for other states looking to strengthen their eminent domain laws and protect property owners from unjust seizures in the future.