Committee holds informational hearing on annexation bill after proponents cite narrow-corridor practices and court dispute

Senate Bill 124, presented at an informational hearing, would change parts of Kansas annexation law to broaden the situations requiring a landowner’s written consent and to narrow how cities may use “corridor” or strip annexations to reach noncontiguous parcels. Proponents urged the committee to clarify statutory language so landowners have a cause of action to challenge what they described as attempts to use narrow corridors to capture noncontiguous commercial properties; municipal representatives and county officials warned the draft, as written, could unduly limit lawful annexation and impede city planning.

Charles, a committee staff member, briefed the committee and summarized key textual changes in the bill draft. He said the measure would remove the current exemption for unplatted tracts devoted to agricultural use that are 21 acres or larger and would instead require written consent for any tract of land that is less than 20 acres. He also described a change to the…