The Special Session has been less than productive, but one surprising bill did make it to Governor’s desk

In this Sunday, May 7, 2017 frame from video posted by the Office of the Governor, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signs a so-called "sanctuary cities" ban in Austin Texas. The ban lets police ask during routine stops whether someone is in the U.S. legally and threatens sheriffs with jail if they don't cooperate with federal immigration agents. (Office of Gov. Abbott via AP)

A municipal annexation bill passed by the Texas Senate on Friday was sent to Governor Abbott’s desk on Sunday to be signed.

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It marks the fifth piece of legislation to get there from an originally proposed 20 items.

RELATED: Governor Abbott Has Some Surprising Views on Annexation Reform

“Members, this is a great deal,” Donna Campbel, the bill’s author, said in a statement Sunday. “… It is a huge victory for property rights of Texans.”

Her legislation allows residents near large cities to vote on whether those jurisdictions can annex communities outside of their limits.

When a city annexes a smaller town, the area is prospectively subject to the regulations of the larger city, an issue long prompting public outrage and calls for annexation reform.

Among other problems, residents of outlying communities claim they are subject to higher tax rates as a result of annexation by large cities.

When the bill was passed, an amendment was added to create a five-mile buffer zone around military bases, another common source of concern.

Some worried annexing cities would close the sites if they were no longer deemed necessary.

RELATED: San Antonio Citizens Gather to Discuss This Major Reform Issue

The buffer also keeps land around the bases from being developed, something some lawmakers further worry could hinder base missions.

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