Legal TREND. Railroads and Eminent Domain in Texas.

Which side is singing praises of a court order? Opponents to high speed rail

What is the court order? A district court order states that two companies, concerning high speed rail, “are not a railroad or interurban electric company.” The order applies to 3 counties.

Why does this matter? The power to condemn property with eminent domain is derived from the status as a railroad.

Why does the power of eminent domain matter? In addition to land aquisition, it also allows the company onto land to survey prior to condemnation

What does this mean legislatively? Watch the definition of railroad or other similar entities that have eminent domain authority.

Houston Chronicle | Opponents of Houston-Dallas bullet train trumpet ruling that company is not a railroad

KBTX | Leon County residents celebrate judge’s ruling on proposed bullet train