SB1018 Summary

• Amends Arkansas annexation procedures by replacing judicial review process (§ 14-40-304) with a comprehensive new procedure requiring municipal referendum and extensive public notice requirements before annexation becomes effective.

• Establishes mandatory resolution of consideration (2-year validity), resolution of intent (with 45-55 day timeline for informational meeting and 130-150 days for public hearing), and public referendum with only qualified electors in proposed annexation area voting.

• Requires municipalities to prepare detailed service extension reports, offer free water and sewer connections to eligible property owners with 65-day response period, and provide water/sewer services within 3.5 years of effective annexation date.

• Implements new provisions for contracts with rural fire departments and private solid waste collection firms affected by annexation, including revenue compensation formulas and dispute resolution through circuit court.

• Creates voluntary annexation-by-petition procedures allowing municipalities to annex contiguous property with 100% owner consent or, for low-income distressed areas, with resident household petition signatures, subject to debt service ratio limitations.