MS HB424

Requires municipalities to hold an election within 60 days of passing an annexation ordinance, with only qualified electors in the proposed annexed territory eligible to vote.

Annexation ordinance is approved if 60% or more of voting qualified electors in the proposed territory vote in favor; if less than 60% vote in favor, the ordinance is rejected and the municipality cannot propose annexation of the same territory for 5 years.

Limits municipal boundary expansion to no more than one-fourth mile outside current municipal limits and requires the annexed area to have a minimum population density of at least 500 people per square mile.

Voids an annexation ordinance if the municipality fails to provide promised public services within 90 days of the ordinance becoming effective or fails to complete proposed improvements within 12 months.

Removes annexation disputes from chancery court jurisdiction, keeping court oversight only for municipal boundary contractions; requires municipalities to file certified copies of approved annexation ordinances with the Secretary of State.