SB 522 – Modifies the measurement of damages in civil actions for trespass or expanded use of an easement against a rural electric cooperative

• Sponsor: Kehoe
• LR Number: 2331S.02I
• Committee: Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
• Last Action: 3/31/2015 - Hearing Conducted S Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee
• Effective Date: August 28, 2015

Current Bill Summary

SB 522 - Currently, a rural electric cooperative has the power to exercise the power of eminent domain in constructing or operating electric transmission lines. Under this act, if a property owner prevails against a rural electric cooperative for trespass or expanded use of an easement, the damages shall be measured by the diminution in the property's fair market value caused by the trespass or expanded use. The property owner may also be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. Evidence of revenues or profits derived by a telecommunications or other communications-related service provider or rural electric cooperative shall not be admissible in any action brought by a property owner to recover damages.

This act is identical to HB 1115 (2015).

KAYLA CRIDER