Section 18-4-3 Legislative Intent.

(a) The Legislature declares that this chapter shall be applicable only to the acquisition of real property owned and occupied by the owner as a residence by any state agency for use in projects or programs in which federal or state funds are used; except that for the purposes of this chapter, federal guarantees or insurance shall not be deemed to be federal funds. This chapter shall not apply to acquisitions by a state agency which are voluntarily initiated or negotiated by the seller under no threat of condemnation. (b) The Legislature further declares the following: (1) The purpose of this chapter is to establish a uniform policy for the fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced from their residences as a result of programs or projects involving the acquisition of real property by any state agency. In order that the persons shall not suffer disproportionate injuries as a result of programs designed for the benefit of the public as a whole, the policy shall be uniform as to relocation payments, advisory assistance, and assurances of availability of housing. (2) It shall be the policy of the state to encourage and expedite the acquisition of real property by agreements with owners, to avoid litigation and relieve congestion in the courts, to assure consistent treatment for owners in the many programs, and to promote public confidence in land acquisition practices.