MS HB1040

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

Annexation is approved only if a majority of voters in both the municipality and the proposed territory vote in favor; if either rejects it, the ordinance fails and the same territory cannot be annexed again for 5 years.

Removes municipal annexation disputes from chancery court proceedings and requires elections instead as the approval mechanism for boundary enlargements.

Maintains chancery court procedures only for municipal boundary contractions, which still require court approval based on public convenience and necessity.

Requires municipalities to file certified copies of annexation ordinances with the Secretary of State after the ordinance becomes effective, with any pending court cases on annexations to be withdrawn.