summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
02/11/2025
02/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/24/2025
04/24/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Annexation. With certain exceptions, requires a municipality that initiates an annexation to file with the court an annexation petition approved by the signatures of: (1) at least 51% of the owners of land not exempt from property taxes in the annexation territory; or (2) the owners of at least 75% in assessed valuation of land not exempt from property taxes in the annexation territory. Requires the court to hold a hearing if the petition has the necessary signatures. Adds provisions for determining the validity of signatures. Provides that a landowner may enter into an agreement to consent to a future annexation in certain circumstances. Eliminates the following: (1) Remonstrances and remonstrance waivers. (2) Reimbursement of remonstrator's attorney's fees and costs. (3) Adoption of a fiscal plan for voluntary annexations requested by 100% of landowners in the annexation territory. (4) Settlement agreements in lieu of annexation. (5) Provisions regarding contiguity of a public highway.
AI Summary
This bill makes significant changes to Indiana's annexation laws, primarily focusing on modifying the process and requirements for municipalities to annex territory. Key provisions include: requiring municipalities initiating an annexation to file a petition with the court that is approved by either 51% of property owners or owners of 75% of the assessed land value (excluding tax-exempt properties); eliminating remonstrances and remonstrance waivers after May 14, 2025; removing provisions for reimbursing remonstrators' legal fees; and creating a new process for voluntary annexation agreements. The bill introduces a new section allowing landowners to enter into future annexation consent agreements, which must be recorded within 30 business days and expire after 15 years. Municipalities are prohibited from collecting signatures on annexation petitions after May 14, 2025, and remonstrances or waivers will only be valid for annexations proposed before May 15, 2025. The changes aim to streamline the annexation process, provide more clarity around property owner consent, and establish new procedures for municipal territory expansion.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Second reading: ordered engrossed (on 02/13/2025)
Official Document
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