MS HB16

Amends municipal annexation procedures to require separate elections in both the municipality and proposed annexed territory when 20% of qualified electors in the territory petition for one within 60 days of annexation ordinance adoption.

Annexation approval requires majority vote in favor from electors in both the municipality and the proposed annexed territory; if either votes against it, the ordinance is rejected.

If annexation is rejected in an election, the municipality cannot propose annexing the same territory for 5 years.

Removes municipal annexation disputes from chancery court proceedings for enlargement cases, while retaining court review only for municipal boundary contractions.

Requires the Secretary of State to maintain permanent records of municipal boundary changes through certified copies of either annexation ordinances or court decrees, effective July 1, 2016.