House Bill 2

Chair's Name: Austin Scott

Committee: Governmental Affairs

House Sponsor: Doug Holt

Section 1 of HB 2 establishes that after July 1, 2007, dispute resolutions in relation to annexation issues involving counties and municipalities will be determined pursuant to newly proposed Article 7.  Section 2 outlines the new dispute resolution process applicable to all annexations, except those initiated by local Acts of the General Assembly.  HB 2 includes guidelines for notification and methods for objection and resolution.  The proposed resolution process involves the use of an arbitration panel to be selected via provisions of the new subsection.  HB 2 further explains the process and considerations the arbitration panel will use to pursue resolution.  The Bill also provides for an appeal process after the arbitration panel has made its decision, as well as guidelines in the event that a party abandons the proposed annexation. 

The committee substitute received a Do Pass recommendation from the Committee on Governmental Affairs and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule.