Protecting Virginians’ Property Rights

In an extremely controversial 2005 decision, Kelo v. New London, the United States Supreme Court struck down protections that property owners had against eminent domain. The decision said that there was no need for the government to prove that the property was being taken for public use, and that it was legal for a state or town to take property from one citizen and give it to another. The decision also allowed states to provide state protections for their citizens.

Since then, Rob has helped lead the effort in Virginia to restore and protect property rights. In 2007, along with then Virginia State Senator Ken Cuccinelli, Rob wrote Virginia’s law to require that any taking of property be for actual public use, and that the government may not take more property than is necessary.

In 2011, Rob co-patroned the resolution to place private property protections in the Virginia State Constitution. These rights would include many of those in the 2007 law, and would additionally require that the government adequately compensate the property owner. The resolution passed, and if it passes in 2012, it will come before the voters for approval.

Rob has been repeatedly recognized for his work:

Virginia Property Rights Coalition – 2008 “John C. Marshall Award”

Virginia Property Rights Coalition – 2007 “Deepest Gratitude for (HB 2954) to the people of Virginia”