Bill > HB2419

This bill requires that before a city can annex (take over) new territory, it must first get approval from the county's legislative body, which is a group of elected officials who represent the county. To get this approval, the city must submit a financial impact study, which details how the annexation will affect the county's finances, infrastructure like roads and schools, and taxpayers, as well as a statement showing the city can afford to provide services like water, sewer, police, and fire protection to the new area. The county legislative body will have at least 60 days to review these documents and vote, and if they don't approve within 90 days, the annexation is considered denied; however, a county's silence for 60 days does not mean approval. This requirement does not apply to annexing small parcels of land of five acres or less, and the state comptroller will set the format for the financial studies. This bill also clarifies that it does not override any existing agreements between local governments or growth plans.