Bill > HB781

This bill, concerning municipal annexations in Mississippi, fundamentally shifts the process by requiring an election on the question of annexation. Previously, municipalities could enlarge their boundaries by passing an ordinance, and any disputes or confirmations were handled through chancery court proceedings. Now, if twenty percent of the qualified voters in the territory proposed for annexation petition for it, separate elections must be held in both the municipality and the annexed territory, and both must approve the annexation by a majority vote for it to proceed. If the annexation is not approved, the municipality cannot propose annexing the same territory again for five years. The bill also removes the requirement for chancery court involvement in approving or confirming annexations, streamlining the process to focus on the voters' decision.

Government Affairs

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0781.xml