Bill > HB1261

This bill modifies Missouri state law regarding municipal annexation, expanding the geographical boundaries and conditions under which certain cities can annex unincorporated areas. Specifically, the bill allows some cities to annex areas up to four miles from their existing boundaries, instead of the previous two-mile limit, with different provisions applying to cities based on their population, county classification, and specific geographic characteristics. The bill establishes detailed procedures for annexation, including requirements for a notarized petition from property owners, a mandatory public hearing, and provisions for potential objections. It defines terms like "contiguous and compact" to clarify annexation eligibility, allowing annexation even when areas are separated by highways or railroads, and permits voluntary annexations that might create unincorporated "islands" within a city's boundaries. The legislation also includes a statute of limitations, stipulating that any legal challenges to an annexation must be brought within five years of the annexation ordinance's adoption. This bill aims to provide more flexibility for municipal expansion while maintaining a structured, transparent process for territorial growth.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1261&year=2025&code=R