H.R. 10135: Not In My Barn Yard Act

This bill would limit the federal government’s ability to use eminent domain to take agricultural land for public projects.

What it would do

• It says the federal government may not use eminent domain on agricultural land if there is a feasible alternative to the public use the government is pursuing.
• The rule would not apply to any eminent domain action that already started before the bill becomes law.

What counts as agricultural land

The bill defines agricultural land as land in the United States that is, at the time the government seeks to take it, or was within the previous 5 years:

• used for farming,
• used for ranching,
• used for forestry production, or
• used for timber production.

It excludes very small parcels: land of 10 acres or less is not covered if the annual gross receipts from products produced there are $1,000 or less.

Practical effect

In simple terms, the bill would make it harder for the federal government to take farms, ranches, timberland, or similar land for projects like roads, facilities, or other public uses when another workable location or option exists. It does not appear to ban eminent domain entirely; it narrows when the federal government can use it on agricultural land.

Relevant Companies

None found.