The Texas Senate voted Monday to expand the rights of property owners who face having their land taken by the government.

The bill by Sen. Craig Estes, a Wichita Falls Republican, would limit eminent domain land takings to projects for public use only and would require governments to make a "bona fide" offer for the property before condemnation.

A property owner would be entitled to be paid for any loss of market value if the taking impairs their access to the land they still have.

Governments would also have to tell the landowner that he or she and their heirs may someday be able to repurchase the land for the price paid to acquire it. That option would kick in if the public project for the land is canceled or no progress has been made in 10 years after the condemnation.

The bill passed Monday "levels the playing field for property owners," Scott said.