HF1532

This Minnesota House bill, H.F. No. 1532, seeks to amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 117.036, subdivision 2, regarding eminent domain procedures and reimbursement for property appraisals. The key changes outlined in the bill include:

1. Increased Reimbursement Amounts for Property Owners' Appraisals:

   • The maximum reimbursement for owners obtaining an appraisal of single-family and two-family residential properties or minimum damage acquisitions increases from $1,500 to $3,000.
   • The maximum reimbursement for other types of properties increases from $5,000 to $10,000.

2. Procedures for Property Appraisals in Eminent Domain Cases:

   • Before acquiring property through eminent domain for transactions exceeding $25,000, the acquiring authority must obtain at least one appraisal.
   • If the acquisition is valued at $25,000 or less, a "minimum damage acquisition report" may be used instead of a formal appraisal.
   • The acquiring authority must provide the appraisal or report to the property owner no later than 60 days before filing an eminent domain petition.
   • Property owners have the right to obtain their own appraisal, and they must submit it with reimbursement documentation at least five days before a condemnation commissioners hearing.

3. Payment of Reimbursement:

   • The acquiring authority must pay the reimbursement to the property owner within 30 days of receiving the required appraisal and reimbursement documentation.
   • If agreed upon, the acquiring authority may directly pay the property owner's appraiser instead.

In summary, this bill proposes increasing financial compensation for property owners in eminent domain proceedings and outlines clearer procedural requirements to ensure fairness in the appraisal process.