MS HB958

Requires the board of supervisors to hold an election in any territory proposed for annexation or removal within 60 days after municipal passage of an annexation or removal ordinance, with only residents of the affected area eligible to vote.

Mandates that the municipality seeking annexation or removal pay all costs of the election, and shifts the burden of proof to municipal authorities to demonstrate that the proposed enlargement or contraction is reasonable and required by public convenience and necessity.

Eliminates the previous requirement to file enlargement or contraction petitions in chancery court and instead makes election results the final decision unless the municipality appeals to chancery court, in which case the municipality must pay all attorney's fees and court costs.

Allows the chancellor to consider election results as evidence when hearing appeals and grants the chancellor discretion to approve, deny, or modify proposed annexations based on whether they serve public convenience and necessity.

Applies the same election requirements to municipal consolidations and becomes effective July 1, 2020.