Relating to eminent domain compensation

HB 4499 would change West Virginia's eminent domain law to require property owners whose land is taken for public use to receive compensation equal to twice the fair market value of the property, plus damages to any remaining property. This applies to all eminent domain cases - whether initiated by the state, local governments, or private companies - commencing after the bill's effective date. The bill specifies that fair market value would be determined using current legal standards as of the date the property is taken. It also requires initial payments in expedited cases to be based on the condemning authority's estimate of double the fair market value.