Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2005

H.R. 3083, the Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2005, seeks to limit the government's power of eminent domain by prohibiting the seizure of private property for the purpose of economic development. Under this bill, the federal government—as well as state and local governments using federal funds—could only take private land for traditional "public use," such as building roads or schools, rather than for private commercial projects intended to increase tax revenue. If enacted, the legislation would provide homeowners and small business owners with greater legal protection against having their property transferred to other private entities for redevelopment.