MS HB1501

Requires municipalities seeking to annex territory to hold separate elections in both the municipality and the proposed annexed territory, with annexation approved only if majorities in both areas vote in favor.

Allows qualified electors (20% of those in proposed annexation territory) to petition for an election within 60 days of public notice of an annexation ordinance, with elections held within 60 days of petition certification.

Removes municipal annexation disputes from chancery court proceedings for annexations, limiting court involvement to contraction of municipal boundaries only.

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

Requires municipalities to file certified copies of annexation ordinances with the Secretary of State after the ordinance becomes effective, and specifies an effective date of July 1, 2018.