Annapolis, MD – March 4, 2025 – At the request of Senator Chris R. West, Harris Eisenstein appeared before the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee to voice his strong support for SB 955, a bill designed to protect Marylanders at risk of losing property rights to overhead transmission line projects.
Eisenstein, whose practice focuses on eminent domain litigation and land valuation, emphasized that current Maryland law leaves property owners at a disadvantage when their land is taken for public use. While they are entitled to recover the fair market value of land and improvements taken, the initial offer from a condemnor typically falls short of just compensation. This reality forces condemnees to invest significant resources for attorneys and experts to develop the true value of the property taken and persuade the condemnor to pay a truly just amount for the life-altering experience of taking private property rights.
“SB 955 addresses this inequity,” Eisenstein stated, explaining that the bill would allow property owners to recover not only the value of their land, but also all legal, expert, and related fees incurred during the process. He highlighted the urgency of the legislation in light of the proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP), a proposed 70-mile transmission line that could significantly impact farmland and residential property in Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick Counties.
Eisenstein concluded by urging lawmakers to pass SB 955 to ensure Marylanders are fully compensated when losing property rights to the exercise of eminent domain. “Every condemnee should have the right to recoup their legal expenses,” he said.
Click here to read Harris’ full testimony.
If you have questions about eminent domain, land valuation, or related issues, contact Harris Eisenstein, heisenstein@rosenbergmartin.com.