AR HB1657

Increases the minimum number of signatures required on municipal incorporation petitions from 200 to 350 qualified voters, or a majority of qualified voters in the territory, whichever is greater.

Reduces the distance buffer for existing municipal corporations from 5 miles to 3 miles when considering incorporation petitions within their planning territorial jurisdiction.

Requires written resolution from existing municipal corporation governing bodies to approve new incorporations within the 3-mile buffer zone.

Removes the population restriction limiting annexation by municipalities with fewer than 1,000 persons, allowing such municipalities to continue annexing up to 10% of their current land area annually without population-based limitations.