In its recent Kelo decision, the Supreme Court essentiallyrewrote the Public Use Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The Texas Legislature responded and took a step in the right direction, but more must be done to adequately protect Texans’ property rights.
Michael Petrick v. City of Austin
Date Filed: July 27, 2026 Original Court: Western District of Texas, Austin Division Case Status: Active Litigation Case Summary: In August 2025, Michael Petrick purchased a home on a 0.28-acre lot in Austin, Texas, in preparation for the birth of his first child. The property contained three overgrown trees. One tree was splitting and posed...