Municipalities

HB 781 requires municipalities in Mississippi to hold separate elections in both the city and the territory proposed for annexation whenever a city seeks to expand its boundaries. The bill mandates that annexation can only proceed if a majority of voters in *both* areas approve the measure, replacing previous court-based processes. It also prohibits municipalities from proposing the same annexation for five years if either election rejects the plan. This directly affects cities seeking to grow and residents in unincorporated areas targeted for annexation, shifting decision-making from chancery courts to voter approval.

HB 1040 requires municipalities seeking to annex adjacent unincorporated land to hold separate elections in both the municipality and the annexation area. It mandates that if 20% of residents in the proposed annexation area petition for an election within 60 days of a municipality's annexation ordinance, voters in both locations must approve the annexation by majority vote. The bill removes the previous requirement for court approval of annexations, replacing chancery court proceedings with this direct voter referendum process. This directly affects municipalities attempting boundary expansions and residents in territories targeted for annexation.

HB 395 requires municipalities in Mississippi to hold a voter election in any territory proposed for annexation if 20% of qualified residents petition for one within 60 days of the annexation ordinance's public notice. The bill mandates that annexation cannot proceed unless a majority of voters in the proposed territory approve it in this election, which must be held within 60 days of petition certification. If voters reject the annexation, the municipality cannot propose annexing the same territory for five years. This replaces the previous process where annexations could be approved through chancery court proceedings without direct voter input in the affected area.

Approved by Governor

Died In Committee