Eminent domain; defining term; limiting the use of eminent domain; conforming language; effective date.

HB 1233 limits when governments can use eminent domain by strictly defining "public use" to include only public facilities (like parks or roads), utilities serving the public, blighted property remediation, or abandoned properties. It explicitly states that economic development goals - such as boosting tax revenue, jobs, or local economic health - alone do not qualify as a "public use" for taking private property. The bill also prohibits local governments from expanding eminent domain powers without specific state authorization and updates rules for returning unused condemned land to original owners. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.