SB 157, sponsored by Senator Cam Ward (R-Alabaster), relates to costs in eminent domain condemnation proceedings. This bill would provide that in a condemnation action by the Department of Transportation, the department would pay the property owner’s reasonable attorney, appraisal, and engineering fees if the court's award to the property owner exceeds the department's last offer by 20 percent, excluding interest. This bill is pending action in the Senate Committee on Judiciary.

Alabama REALTORS® support SB 157 and its protections for private property rights. 

Alabama REALTORS® believe individuals should be able to acquire real property and have confidence that the value of their property will not be unduly diminished or jeopardized by government action, such as through seizure by eminent domain or by re-zoning, without fair compensation or the owner's expressed consent.