HB 631 Summary

• Repeals sections 71.012, 71.014, and 71.015 RSMo and re-enacts sections 71.012 and 71.015 regarding city, town, and village annexation of unincorporated areas.

• Allows voluntary annexation of contiguous and compact unincorporated areas based on notarized petition signed by all property owners, requiring public hearing 14-60 days after petition receipt and governing body approval without further action if no objections filed.

• Defines contiguous and compact to include areas separated by state/interstate highways or railroad rights-of-way, and areas creating islands of unincorporated land if owners given opportunity to annex, and areas sharing at least 25 percent of perimeter boundary.

• Prohibits cities, towns, or villages from annexing unincorporated areas contiguous to any area annexed within the last 24 months.

• Requires annexing cities, towns, or villages to provide all municipal services to annexed areas; establishes 5-year statute of limitations for challenging annexations.