Bill > SF1421

This bill modifies Minnesota's laws regarding annexation and detachment of land between municipalities and townships, introducing several key changes. The bill establishes a new mandatory annexation election process where certain annexation proceedings must be put to a vote, requiring the chief administrative law judge to order an election and specify detailed procedures like posting notices, appointing election judges, and determining voter eligibility. It clarifies and tightens rules around orderly annexation agreements, including requiring mutual agreement between parties, limiting agreements to ten years, and prohibiting annexation by non-parties to the agreement. The bill also modifies detachment procedures, expanding the circumstances under which property can be detached from a municipality, such as allowing detachment for land annexed by ordinance over five years ago that remains rural in character. Additionally, the bill addresses procedural details like notification requirements, cost allocation for mediation and hearings, and how annexation or detachment impacts road maintenance responsibilities. The changes aim to provide more clarity, fairness, and local control in municipal boundary changes, with specific provisions to protect property owners' interests and ensure thoughtful, deliberate land use decisions.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1421&ssn=0&y=2025