House Bill 925 - Session Law 2012-11

• Requires municipalities to hold a referendum in which only registered voters in the proposed annexation area may vote before adopting an involuntary annexation ordinance.

• The referendum must be conducted at the next municipal general election that is more than 45 days after the resolution of intent, with a separate ballot question for each proposed annexation area.

• If less than a majority of votes cast support annexation, the municipality cannot proceed with the annexation ordinance or initiate a separate involuntary annexation process for that area for at least 36 months.

• Replaces the previous petition-to-deny process (requiring 60% of property owners to sign petitions) with a voter referendum system allowing all registered voters in the area to decide on annexation.

• Effective July 1, 2012, for all annexation ordinances adopted on or after that date.