MS HB418

Amends Mississippi Code Section 21-1-27 to require separate elections in both the municipality and the territory proposed to be annexed when 20% of qualified electors in the annexed territory petition for a vote within 60 days of the annexation ordinance adoption.

Requires majority approval from both the municipality and the annexed territory electors for annexation to be permitted; if either group votes against it by majority, the ordinance is rejected.

Removes municipal annexation proceedings from chancery court jurisdiction, limiting court involvement to only municipal boundary contractions, which still require court approval based on public convenience and necessity.

Prohibits municipalities from proposing annexation of the same territory for five (5) years if voters reject the annexation in either election.

Requires the Secretary of State to maintain permanent records of annexation ordinances that become effective, effective July 1, 2014.