The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding the annexation of territory by allowing cities or towns to expedite the annexation process when the property owner proposing the annexation owns 100% of the property to be annexed. Specifically, it would permit the city or town to waive the existing 30-day waiting period and the requirement for a public hearing. Additionally, the annexation would become final upon the adoption of the annexation ordinance by the governing body of the city or town, rather than requiring further waiting periods.

Furthermore, the bill modifies public hearing notice requirements by allowing electronic publication of notices if the newspaper has an online edition, and it permits a single notice to be posted on the site of the parcel if it is 160 acres or less. It also requires that notice be given to affected fire districts at least 30 days prior to annexation and reduces the frequency of newspaper publication from "at least once" to "once." Other technical changes include clarifications on the definition of contiguous territory and the conditions under which annexation can occur, ensuring that the process is more efficient and streamlined.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-471
House Engrossed Version: 9-471