House Bill 7

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 21-1-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ESTABLISH A TEN-YEAR MORATORIUM ON THE COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR MUNICIPAL ANNEXATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 21-1-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

21-1-27. (1) The limits and boundaries of existing cities, towns and villages shall remain as now established until altered in the manner hereinafter provided. When any municipality shall desire to enlarge or contract the boundaries thereof by adding thereto adjacent unincorporated territory or excluding therefrom any part of the incorporated territory of such municipality, the governing authorities of such municipality shall pass an ordinance defining with certainty the territory proposed to be included in or excluded from the corporate limits, and also defining the entire boundary as changed. In the event the municipality desires to enlarge such boundaries, such ordinance shall in general terms describe the proposed improvements to be made in the annexed territory, the manner and extent of such improvements, and the approximate time within which such improvements are to be made; such ordinance shall also contain a statement of the municipal or public services which such municipality proposes to render in such annexed territory. In the event the municipality shall desire to contract its boundaries, such ordinance shall contain a statement of the reasons for such contraction and a statement showing whereby the public convenience and necessity would be served thereby.

(2) From and after July 1, 2002, and until July 1, 2012, the governing authorities of a municipality may not adopt an ordinance or commence proceedings under the provisions of Sections 21-1-27 through 21-1-41 to enlarge the boundaries of the municipality. Ordinances adopted or proceedings commenced under the provisions of Sections 21-1-27 through 21-1-41 before July 1, 2002, or on or after July 1, 2012, shall not be affected by the provisions of this subsection.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002.