1. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if a proposed annexation territory consists of:

   1. (1) land that:

      1. (A) is contiguous to the municipality under section 1.5 of this chapter; and
      2. (B) abuts, at least in part, one (1) side of the railroad tracks and railroad right-of-way; and

   2. (2) land:

      1. (A) that is not contiguous to the municipality under section 1.5 of this chapter; and

      2. (B) that:

         1. (i) is separated from the land under subdivision (1) by; and

         2. (ii) abuts, at least in part, the opposite side of;

            the railroad tracks and railroad right-of-way described in subdivision (1)(B);

            the proposed annexation territory satisfies the contiguity requirements under section 1.5 of this chapter. The annexing municipality is not required to obtain the consent of any person owning, leasing, operating, or using the railroad tracks or railroad right-of-way to annex the proposed territory.

2. (b) Nothing in this section authorizes the municipality to annex the railroad tracks and railroad right-of-way abutting the annexation territory.

As added by P.L.22-2026, SEC.1.