MS HB1040

Requires municipalities seeking annexation to hold an election in the proposed annexed territory if 20% of qualified electors petition for one within 60 days of annexation ordinance adoption.

Annexation is approved only if a majority of electors in the territory vote in favor; if rejected, the municipality cannot propose annexation of the same territory for 5 years.

Election must be held within 60 days after petition certification, with notice published weekly for 3 consecutive weeks, with first publication at least 21 days before election date.

Removes municipal annexation cases from chancery court proceedings; contraction of boundaries continues to require court approval based on public convenience and necessity.

Requires municipalities to submit certified copies of annexation ordinances to the Secretary of State after they become effective; takes effect July 1, 2024.