House bill would reform annexation process

OKLAHOMA CITY — A bill that would reform Oklahoma’s annexation process passed the House’s Government Oversight Committee, meaning it now is eligible to be heard on the House floor.

House Bill 1166, by Rep. Mike Kelley, R-Yukon, would require cities and towns to obtain written permission from a majority of affected property owners before annexing land. For municipalities with a population of 12,000 or less, annexations are limited to 8 square miles at a time and require consent from at least 65 percent of landowners and 25 percent of residents in the area.

The bill also would enhance public notification requirements by mandating newspaper announcements, mailed notices to property owners and a public hearing within 14-30 days of publication. If a city proceeds with annexation without majority consent, it must present a detailed service plan outlining essential services such as water, sewer, fire protection and police coverage. These services must be implemented within 10 years or the annexed land will be automatically removed from the city’s jurisdiction, under the bill.

Additionally, HB1166 prohibits cities from annexing land owned by state public trusts without full consent and ensures property owners who successfully challenge annexation in court are entitled to recover legal fees, Kelley said.

“Landowners deserve a voice when their property is being considered for annexation,” Kelley said. “HB1166 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.”