A bill that passed the Iowa House last week would weaken eminent domain laws. Representative Greg Heartsill tells KNIA/KRLS News that the legislation clarifies that land cannot be taken via eminent domain for recreational use, like creating lakes. The bill passed the House with a 93-6 vote. Heartsill says he’s pleased that it received such strong bipartisan support. He notes that he campaigned on eminent domain issues and worked with the bill’s sponsor, Representative Bobby Kaufmann of Wilton. Heartsill adds that it does have some buy-in from counties and cities because it still allows for eminent domain to be used for legitimate public works projects. He thinks that it won’t face much controversy in the Senate and should be signed by Governor Terry Branstad in the next few weeks.