House Appropriations Committee discussion on House Bill 524 continue.
Rep Lucy Allen (D-Franklin) amends the bill to bind utility services which easily passes by a voice vote.
Rep Hugh Holliman (D-Davidson) proposes an amendment that gives a different referendum criteria for large cities. 150,000 population would have a 5 percent trigger. Vote of committee by a show of hands. Amendment fails 37 – 43.
Annexation reform advocate Rep Larry Brown (R-Forsyth) proposes an amendment that would leave 15 percent but only those who voted in the last municipal elections. Per a question by chairman Michaux, newly registered voters would be excluded. Rep Allen and Adams. Amendment fails by a voice vote.
Vote on the bill as amended, passes by a voice vote and will go the floor next. As previously noted, the bill will not be able to be amended on the floor because the title is so tightly written.
For what real annexation reform looks like, click here.
