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Senate Advances Bill Easing Annexation of Small Unincorporated Parcels
Summary
First substitute SB 171 allows counties and municipalities to annex unincorporated 'islands' or peninsulas up to 50 acres by mutual agreement and limits county standing in certain small counties for agricultural land; the Senate adopted an amendment and advanced the bill to third reading.
First substitute Senate Bill 171, sponsored by Senator Jenkins, would permit annexation of areas of up to 50 acres that are mutually agreed upon by the county and municipality, including adding language to cover 'unincorporated island or peninsula.' The bill also changes standing for third‑through‑sixth class counties in agricultural annexations so those counties would not be able to protest certain annexations involving agricultural land.
Senator Jenkins said the measure responds to county planning commission requests and is intended to allow annexation where counties cannot effectively serve properties surrounded by cities. Supporters including Senator Bramble said it would reduce litigation and address anomalies caused by decades of growth. Opponents raised concerns about removing county standing; Senator Okerlund said he would vote no because counties still had unresolved concerns.
The Senate adopted the amendment and recorded a floor vote sending the bill to third reading (22 yea, 4 nay, 3 absent).
