In a shocking turn of events, one of the amendments to the
annexation moratorium bill that was passed in the House Judiciary II
meeting makes the moratorium bill completely pointless.

The amendment actually was introduced by Goforth and Luebke, who
are the sponsors of the bill.  It was “sold” to the committee as
an amendment that would allow cities to continue planning during the
moratorium.

In fact, the amendment would allow municipalities to do
everything it normally could do if there were no moratorium.  It
can pass whatever resolutions it wants, pass ordinances, etc.  The
only thing it may do is delay some of the effective dates of some
annexations.

Qualification: I just learned about this disgraceful action just
minutes ago, so I’m still trying to come to terms with it and analyze
it properly.

The House is about to take up this bill at 11:00.

Here is version 1 of the bill:

Here is the amended version of the bill.  Note that the original section 1 ( i.e. “the teeth”) of the bill have been taken out.