Governor Perry signs legislation protecting private property rights in Texas.

In San Antonio today, in front of the Alamo, Governor Perry signed HJR 14, which will guarantee in the Texas Constitution unprecedented protection of private property rights from eminent domain abuse.

Governor Perry, whose family has deep agricultural roots, understands that securing private property rights through eminent domain reform is vital to keeping Texas the nation's example for personal liberty and economic growth.

"Land ownership is an essential part of Texas’ culture, and we owe it to our citizens to protect their rights as landowners and members of the community from government entities that overstep their bounds and abuse eminent domain," Governor Perry said.

The measure will go to Texas voters in November 2009 and, once approved, will give Texas the strongest private property rights it has ever had, while preventing the kinds of abuses that the Kelo v. New London U.S. Supreme Court decision opened up.

In the Kelo case, the Court ruled that government entities could use eminent domain authority for economic development projects rather than traditional public uses. HJR 14 will move Texas in the right direction and go a long way toward keeping Texas the best place in the country to live, work, and find a piece of the American Dream.