Bill > HB698

This bill provides a targeted property tax exemption for older residents of the Walker County school district. Specifically, residents who are 70 to 74 years old will receive a $50,000 exemption on their homestead's assessed value for school district ad valorem (property) taxes, while residents 75 and older who have lived in the district for at least five years will receive a full exemption of their homestead's assessed value. The exemption applies only to school district taxes and does not cover state, county, municipal, or other school district taxes. Surviving spouses may continue to receive the exemption under certain age and residency conditions. To implement the exemption, residents must file an initial application with the Walker County tax commissioner, after which the exemption will be automatically renewed each year as long as they remain eligible. The bill requires a referendum in November 2026, where voters in the Walker County school district will decide whether to approve the tax exemption, and it will only take effect on January 1, 2027, if more than half of the votes cast are in favor. The bill also includes provisions to ensure compliance with the referendum process and constitutional requirements.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71065