MS SB2820

Requires a petition signed by 20% of qualified electors in territory proposed for annexation to trigger a mandatory election on the annexation question, held within 60 days by the county board of supervisors.

Election must be approved by majority vote of qualified electors in the annexation territory for the municipal ordinance to become effective; if rejected, the municipality cannot propose annexing the same territory for 5 years.

Removes annexation expansion proceedings from chancery court jurisdiction and establishes the electoral process as the primary mechanism for municipal boundary enlargement, effective upon Voting Rights Act preclearance.

Maintains existing chancery court procedures only for municipal boundary contraction, requiring municipalities to demonstrate that contraction is reasonable and necessary for public convenience.

Requires municipalities to file certified copies of effective annexation ordinances with the Secretary of State as permanent records.