Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26) joined other Republican legislators today in calling for a special session to consider enacting an immediate moratorium on using eminent domain to take property for economic development, including the New London property that was the subject of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

If a special session is called, the General Assembly also will consider legislation to amend the state's power of eminent domain.

"It is up to the state of Connecticut to act now to protect the property rights of its citizens. Frankly, I believe the General Assembly should have called a special session this summer, as soon as possible following the U.S. Supreme Court decision. As I said following that decision, I strongly believe that eminent domain is a tool to be used in only the most extraordinary circumstances. Like the many, many constituents who have contacted me regarding this issue, I do not believe that taking property by eminent domain for economic development is something that our state laws should permit. To that end, I believe that we need to have a state law that acknowledges our respect for private property rights and clearly spells out exactly under what circumstances eminent domain could be used. Considering what is happening to New London property owners, the General Assembly must act quickly to address these issues," said Senator Freedman.