In a voice vote, the House approved legislation Tuesday to overturn a 2005 Supreme Court decision that allowed states to take private property under eminent domain and give it to private developers. The Kelo v. City of New London decision was widely criticized for replacing the "public use" standard, which only allowed eminent domain when the property taken was for public use. The Private Property Rights Protection act prevents states from using eminent domain on property for economic development and establishes a private right of action for property owners if a state or local government violates the new rule.
