Bill > HB631

This bill modifies Missouri's laws regarding municipal annexation by establishing new rules and procedures for how cities, towns, and villages can expand their boundaries. The bill defines "contiguous and compact" more precisely, now allowing annexation if at least 25% of the proposed area's perimeter is connected to the existing municipal boundaries, and prohibiting annexation of areas already annexed within the past 24 months. The legislation maintains the requirement for a notarized petition from property owners or approval from a common interest community, and requires a public hearing where interested parties can provide input. The bill requires that cities must provide full municipal services to newly annexed areas and preserves the existing provisions about holding elections for annexation in certain circumstances, particularly when there are registered voters in the area to be annexed. The bill also limits legal challenges to annexations, stating that any action seeking to deannex or challenge an annexation must be brought within five years of the annexation ordinance's adoption. Additionally, the bill removes some previous specific annexation provisions related to certain counties and standardizes the annexation process across different municipal jurisdictions in Missouri.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB631&year=2025&code=R