Annexation reform fails after heated debate over property rights and county approval

House Bill 24-19, an annexation reform measure sponsored by Representative Fritz, failed in committee after extended debate over property‑owner rights and the role of counties in annexation decisions.

Representative Fritz said the bill would require municipalities to submit a financial impact study and a statement of financial viability to the affected county legislative body and would require majority approval of that body for certain annexations, noting the comptroller would prescribe the form and content of the financial impact study.

Opponents said the bill would effectively give county commissions veto power over property owners who seek annexation and could undo prior reforms that gave property‑owners referendum protections. Representative Leatherwood said the proposal “would clearly undo that work” and risked taking away property rights; Representative Salinas also raised concerns about how it would affect unincorporated Memphis neighborhoods.

Representative Fritz clarified the section would not apply to single contiguous lots or parcels of 5 acres or less and said the bill focuses on larger development annexations with countywide infrastructure impacts. After debate the clerk reported 2 ayes, 19 nos, and 2 present not voting and the bill failed in committee.