The bill amends K.S.A. 12-520 and K.S.A. 12-538 to impose new restrictions on unilateral annexations by cities in Kansas. It expands the conditions under which land can be annexed, specifically prohibiting cities from annexing unplatted agricultural land of 21 acres or more without the owner's consent, and any tract of land less than 20 acres without written consent. Additionally, the bill clarifies that cities cannot annex narrow corridors of land solely to gain access to noncontiguous tracts, and it establishes that land owned by federal or state agencies cannot be considered contiguous for annexation purposes.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the rights of landowners by allowing them to challenge annexations in district court within 30 days of the ordinance's publication. This includes questioning the city's authority to annex, the reasonableness of the annexation, and the adequacy of the service plan. The court is required to consider the impact of the annexation on the future growth of the city challenging the annexation. The existing sections of K.S.A. 12-520 and 12-538 are repealed, and the new provisions will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 12-520, 12-538