Bill > HB813

This bill provides a homestead tax exemption for residents of the Lowndes County school district, specifically allowing homeowners to exempt $12,000 of their property's assessed value from school district ad valorem (property) taxes for educational purposes. The exemption will apply to all taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, and will be automatically renewed each year as long as the homeowner continues to occupy the property as their primary residence. Homeowners who currently receive a $6,000 homestead exemption will be automatically enrolled in this new exemption without needing to file an additional application. The bill requires a referendum to be held during the 2026 general primary election, where voters in the Lowndes County school district will decide whether to approve the tax exemption. To become law, the bill must receive a two-thirds majority vote in both the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives. The bill specifies that this exemption is not in addition to other existing homestead exemptions and does not apply to state, county, independent school district, or municipal ad valorem taxes. If voters do not approve the measure or if the election is not conducted properly, the bill will be automatically repealed, and the exemption will not take effect.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71552