AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 15.1-12-02 and 15.1-12-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to annexation of property to a school district; and to declare an emergency.

Added requirement for certified mail notice to be sent at least 14 days before the public hearing to property owners.

Added requirement to publish hearing notice in the official county newspaper or adjoining county newspaper if none exists locally.

Added requirement for county committee to verify petition signatures (two-thirds of qualified electors) and other statutory requirements before hearing.

Added extensive list of 16 specific topics the county committee must consider during the hearing, including property values, debt levels, school conditions, transportation needs, and tax impacts.

Added requirement for state board to conduct its own hearing unless no opposition is presented at the county level.

Added new provisions for handling annexations that span multiple counties, requiring joint consideration by county committees.

Changed notice requirement from 'provide notice to each owner' to 'provide notice to each owner of real property to be annexed' for clarity.

Added three-month waiting period after state board denial before another petition can be submitted for the same property.

Added right to appeal state board decisions to district court.