STOPP Act of 2005

The Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property (STOPP) Act of 2005 was designed to limit the use of eminent domain by state and local governments. Specifically, it would withhold federal economic development funds from any government entity that seizes private property to transfer it to another private party for economic development purposes.

For everyday citizens, this bill aimed to provide greater protection against the forced sale of their homes or businesses for private commercial projects. While it included exceptions for public necessities like roads, utilities, and hospitals, the bill also granted property owners the right to sue in federal court if their land was taken in violation of these rules.