Bill sets out hearing and voter rules for city annexations

For many annexation requests, the state boundary commission reviews the filing, holds a public hearing, and may approve, deny, or revise it. This process applies to annexation petitions or resolutions filed with the state boundary commission, subject to the exceptions in the bill. The commission must mail hearing notices to property owners within 300 feet of the proposed area at least 30 days before the hearing. A local government must give the commission names and addresses at least 45 days before the hearing; the commission must notify only owners on that list. Local government must send the owner list at least 45 days before the hearing, and the commission must mail notice at least 30 days before it.

The commission's order becomes final after 30 days unless eligible registered voters file a referendum petition; if a valid petition is filed, the commission orders a separate vote in each area covered by one. These rules apply to commission-approved annexations. The referendum rules depend on whether 100 or fewer people, or more than 100 people, lived in the area when the request was filed. For an area with 100 or fewer residents when the petition or resolution was filed, the order is not subject to a referendum. For an area with more than 100 residents, the petition must meet the stated signature threshold in the territory, annexing city, or remaining township, as applicable. The annexation takes effect only if a majority in each area where a referendum is held approves it. The commission's order becomes final 30 days after it is issued unless a valid petition is filed during that period. If voters approve, the annexation takes effect on the date set by commission order.

Certain city-adjacent land may be annexed through local approvals or a city legislative body's resolution, without filing through the usual commission process. These alternatives apply only to the specified city-adjacent land and ownership situations. A city-owned park or vacant property in a township may be annexed by city resolution if it borders the city and no one lives there. Other listed methods cover city-owned property, fractional subdivision lots, or territory with no qualified voters other than petitioners; required local approvals and owner notice still apply. For the described route involving territory with no qualified voters other than petitioners, the township treasurer must notify property owners at least 10 days before the township board approves annexation.