Bill > SB234

This bill provides a homestead tax exemption for residents of the City of Dalton independent school district, specifically allowing homeowners to receive a tax break that equals the difference between their current year home assessment and their adjusted base year home assessment. The exemption will first apply to the 2026 tax year and requires approval through a referendum election in November 2025. Homeowners must apply for the exemption initially, but once approved, it will automatically renew each year as long as they continue to occupy the property. The bill defines key terms like "homestead" (including up to five contiguous acres), "base year assessed value", and "inflation rate", and establishes that the City of Dalton will create a standardized method for calculating annual inflation rates. Importantly, this exemption will not apply to state, county, or municipal taxes, and cannot be combined with other base year value homestead exemptions. The bill will only become law if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative chambers and is approved by more than half of the voters in the special election. If approved, the exemption aims to provide tax relief to homeowners in the City of Dalton independent school district by limiting increases in property tax assessments.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70650