An annexation reform bill filed Wednesday in the North Carolina House would let residents in the area of a proposed annexation vote to support it or stop it.
N.C. Rep. Harry Warren, a Republican who represents Rowan County, is a primary sponsor of the bill, which seeks to change several aspects of state annexation law.
House Bill 531 would allow any registered voter living in the area of a proposed involuntary annexation to request a referendum petition from the annexing municipality.
If the petition is returned with valid signatures from at least 5 percent or 500 ó whichever is less ó of total registered voters in the area, the municipality either can stop the annexation or hold a referendum.
If less than a majority of voters in the referendum support the annexation, the municipality cannot continue with it or begin a separate involuntary annexation of that area for at least five years.
The bill also requires that a municipality get approval for any annexation from its county board of commissioners. Before passing a resolution of approval, the county board must hold a public hearing on the proposal.