The Illinois Senate recently approved a casino bill which would
provide casinos with the power of eminent domain. If it passes, SB
1739 would amend the state’s Eminent Domain Act:
“The following provisions of law
may include express grants of the power to acquire property by
condemnation or eminent domain: Chicago Casino Development
Authority Act; City of Chicago; for the purposes of the
Act”
The legislation further provides that acquisition of property
for a casino could be considered a “public use”:
“For the lawful purposes of this
Act, the City may acquire, by eminent domain or by condemnation
proceedings in the manner provided by the Eminent Domain Act, real
or personal property or interests in real or personal property
located in the City, and the City may convey to the Authority
property so acquired. The acquisition of property under this
Section is declared to be for a public use.”
The bill passed 32-20 in the state Senate on May 1 and is now
being considered by the House Executive Committee.
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