SB1224 Summary

• Requires municipalities to conduct at least 2 public hearings, spaced at least 30 business days apart, before annexing areas under 60 acres.

• Mandates the first public hearing provide opportunities for interested persons to be heard on the proposed annexation.

• Requires the municipality to obtain consent through a petition signed by more than 50% of registered voters in the area, and more than 50% of landowners if registered voters do not own more than 50% of the land.

• Allows municipalities without consent to petition circuit court for relief only if no objections were filed or if existing public health and safety reasons necessitate the annexation.