Opinion ID: 3008277
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Whether Section 2206.001 Is Retroactive

Text: The Whittingtons first point of error is that section 2206.001 of the Government Code invalidates the taking because it was for economic development purposes. Section 2206.001 states: “A governmental or private entity may not take private property through the use of eminent domain 34 if the taking . . . is for economic development purposes . . . .” TEX . GOV ’T CODE § 2206.001(b)(3). The charge asked: Does the City of Austin seek to take the Whittingtons’ property for economic development purposes? The City may not take private property if the taking is for economic development purposes. A condemnation for “economic development purposes” does not include a condemnation for a public building or the provision of utility services.25 The jury answered “yes” as to both the parking garage and the district plant. The trial court disregarded the answer, holding that section 2206.001 does not apply retroactively to this case. We disagree that section 2206.001 is not retroactive, but we hold that the statutory exceptions apply. Section 2206.001 was added in 2005—after the City filed its condemnation proceeding in 2001. Act of Aug. 31, 2005, 79th Leg., 2d C.S., S.B. 7, Ch. 1, § 1, 2005 Tex. Gen. Laws 1. The Texas Constitution provides that “[n]o bill of attainder, ex post facto law, retroactive law, or any law impairing the obligation of contracts, shall be made.” TEX . CONST . art. I, § 16. We generally presume that statutes are prospective unless they are expressly made retroactive. TEX . GOV ’T CODE