Bill > HB793

This bill introduces a new homestead tax exemption for residents of Brunswick, Georgia, called the Home Ownership Municipal Exemption (H.O.M.E.) Act. The exemption provides graduated property tax relief for City of Brunswick ad valorem (based on property value) taxes for municipal purposes, with the percentage of exemption increasing based on how long a homeowner has owned their property: 5% for owners of 5 years or less, rising incrementally to 50% for those who have owned their home for 30 years or more. To implement this exemption, the bill requires a referendum to be held in November 2025, where Brunswick residents will vote on whether to approve the tax break. If approved by more than half of voters, the exemption will take effect on January 1, 2026. The exemption applies only to municipal taxes and does not affect state, county, or school district taxes. Homeowners must apply for the exemption initially, but once approved, it will be automatically renewed each year as long as they continue to occupy the property as their primary residence. The surviving spouse of an original exemption recipient can also continue to receive the tax break. The bill requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives to become law.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71418