The bill, H.B. No. 2494, proposes amendments to the Local Government Code regarding the disannexation of areas within municipalities that fail to provide necessary services. It allows a majority of qualified voters in an area to petition for disannexation if the municipality does not fulfill its service obligations. The bill introduces new provisions that specify conditions under which disannexation can occur, including cases where the area did not comply with annexation requirements. Additionally, if the governing body does not act on the petition within 60 days, petitioners can seek a court order for disannexation, with the possibility of recovering attorney's fees if the court finds the petition valid.

Key changes in the bill include the addition of criteria for disannexation based on service provision and compliance with annexation laws. The bill also emphasizes the need for municipalities to provide services to areas that are similarly situated, regardless of their annexation status. Furthermore, it establishes procedural requirements for notifying the public about the petition before it is circulated, ensuring transparency in the disannexation process. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 43.141 (Local Government Code 43)