HB 2789 would make modifications and additions to current annexation law that would create significant new barriers to using annexation methods that have been in place for decades. Specifically, the bill would:
- Create new public hearing requirements by both the city and the county;
- Require annexation elections to occur only during general elections;
- Increase signature threshold requirements for annexation petitions; and
- Prohibit cities from requiring utility service annexation covenants as a condition of extending utilities to a property.
In short, this bill would fundamentally alter annexation law in our state and make it much more difficult for cities to annex. This is despite the directives of the Growth Management Act that requires cities and counties to work together to identify urban growth areas that are intended to become parts of cities.
This bill is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Local Government Committee on Wednesday, January 24 at 8 am. AWC will be expressing our opposition to this proposal.