OKLAHOMA CITY – Two southwest Oklahoma legislators co-sponsored a bill to reform the state’s land annexation process. The measure was approved by Gov.
Kevin Stitt last week and the new law will require cities and towns to obtain written approval from a majority of affected property owners.
House Bill 1166 was authored by Rep. Mike Kelley (R-Yukon) and co-sponsored by Sen. Brent Howard (R-Altus) and Sen. Kendal Sacchieri (R-Blanchard).
Goals of the legislation include ensuring greater transparency and stronger protections for property owners. For municipalities with a population of 12,000 or less, annexations must be limited to eight square miles at a time and require consent from at least 65% of landowners and 25% of residents in the area.
In addition, the bill would require enhancement of public notification requirements by mandating newspaper announcements, along with mailed notices to property owners and a public hearing within 14-30 days of publication.
If a city proceeds with annexation plans without a majority consent, a detailed service plan outlining essential services such as water, sewer, fire protection and police coverage must be presented. These services must be implemented within 10 years or the annexed land will automatically be removed from the city’s jurisdiction. The measure would also prohibit cities from annexing land owned by state public trusts without full consent.
“Landowners deserve a voice when their property is being considered for annexation,” Kelley said in a press release. “House Bill 1166 ensures that cities and towns cannot expand their boundaries without proper consent and accountability.
This bill is about fairness, transparency and protecting the rights of Oklahomans.”