Bill > HB2818

This bill modifies how cities, towns, and villages in Missouri can annex unincorporated areas, generally making it easier to annex areas that are "contiguous and compact" to their existing boundaries. "Contiguous and compact" is clarified to mean that an area can be annexed even if it's only connected by a railroad line, trail, pipeline, or a strip of land less than a quarter-mile wide, as long as the annexation doesn't create an "island" of unincorporated land within the city unless the owners of that island were also offered annexation. Importantly, the bill allows annexation even if the only connection is across a state highway, interstate highway, or railroad right-of-way, regardless of whether another city has an interest in that right-of-way. It also permits annexations that might create unincorporated islands if the owners of those islands were given the chance to voluntarily join. Specific provisions are included for cities in certain counties or with particular population sizes to annex areas along roads up to two miles from their boundaries, or to annex correctional centers or airports under specific conditions, even if not strictly contiguous. The bill also outlines a process for voluntary annexations initiated by a petition from property owners or a common-interest community (defined as a condominium, cooperative, or planned community where owners share responsibility for common property), requiring a public hearing and allowing for objections from voters. If no objections are filed, the city can annex the territory by ordinance, and the annexation is considered final after filing official copies with county and election authorities. The bill also validates past annexations that may not have met all notarization requirements and sets a five-year limit for legal challenges to annexations.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2818&year=2026&code=R