Sponsor
Glenn Thompson
Representative · R-PA
Representative · R-PA
The bill strengthens property protections for agricultural landowners and rural stability, but at the cost of higher project costs, delays, and legal uncertainty for governments and taxpayers, with very small producers still potentially excluded.
Farmers and rural communities are less likely to lose productive agricultural land to federal takings when feasible alternatives exist, helping preserve family farms, farm livelihoods, and rural community stability.
Owners of agricultural land gain greater leverage in negotiations with the federal government because the bill narrows acquisition authority, increasing the likelihood of voluntary sales or better compensation.
Taxpayers, local governments, and affected communities may face higher costs and delays for federal infrastructure, conservation, or utility projects because acquiring needed parcels (especially contiguous or specific tracts) becomes harder or more expensive.
Local and state governments may face legal uncertainty about what qualifies as a 'feasible alternative,' increasing litigation risk, causing project delays, and raising administrative/legal costs.
Very small acreage producers below the $1,000 threshold remain unprotected, leaving some small farmers vulnerable to federal takings despite new protections for other agricultural owners.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Stops federal eminent domain for agricultural land when a feasible alternative to the proposed public use exists, with limited small-parcel exclusions.
Official title: To prohibit the exercise of eminent domain over agricultural land, and for other purposes.
Introduced August 20, 2026 by Glenn Thompson · Last progress August 20, 2026
Prohibits the federal government from using eminent domain to take agricultural land if a feasible alternative to the proposed public use exists. It defines "agricultural land" by use (farming, ranching, forestry, or timber production) on the date the government seeks to take the property or within the prior five years, with a small-parcel sales exemption for tiny plots generating under $1,000 annually. The prohibition does not apply to takings that began before the law takes effect.