Eminent domain; requiring de novo judicial review of public use and necessity determinations. Effective date.

SB 1556 requires courts to independently review (de novo) whether a government agency’s use of eminent domain serves a valid public purpose and is necessary, shifting the burden of proof to the government. It mandates that condemning authorities must prove necessity by preponderance of evidence for each parcel, show all feasible alternatives were considered, and disclose all project studies 60 days before hearings. Property owners gain the right to discovery and can recover attorney fees if the government fails to meet its burden. This bill directly affects property owners facing condemnation and government agencies seeking to acquire private land.