Municipal annexation; require an election be held in the proposed annexation territory.

SB 2891 requires municipalities seeking to annex unincorporated territory to hold an election within that specific area, where only residents of the proposed annexation zone can vote. The annexation requires approval by 50% plus one of all voters in the election, and the municipality must pay all election costs. The bill also changes appeal procedures, requiring municipalities to cover attorney fees and court costs if they challenge election results in court. It repeals a prior requirement that annexation petitions be filed directly in chancery court. This bill directly affects residents in proposed annexation zones and municipalities pursuing boundary changes.