MS HB118

Requires municipalities seeking to annex adjacent unincorporated territory to hold separate elections in both the municipality and the proposed annexation area, with annexation approved only if both areas vote in favor by majority vote.

Establishes a petition process allowing 20% of qualified electors in the proposed annexation territory to trigger an election within 60 days of the ordinance adoption, with elections held within 60 days of petition certification.

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

Removes municipal annexation proceedings from chancery court for enlargements (annexations), while maintaining court procedures only for municipal contractions.

Requires municipalities to file certified copies of annexation ordinances with the Secretary of State after the ordinance becomes effective; ordinances without petitions become effective 60 days after public notice unless a later date is specified.