Bill > HR882

This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow local school systems to levy and collect a sales and use tax of up to 1 percent for maintenance and operation expenses, subject to voter approval in a local referendum. The key provisions include requiring school districts to offset their property tax millage rates by an amount equal to the sales tax proceeds collected, allowing the tax to be imposed for up to five years, and specifying that the tax can be used for capital outlay projects, retiring general obligation debt, or a combination of these purposes. The resolution mandates that the referendum ballot must clearly describe the specific projects or debt to be funded, the maximum cost, and the duration of the tax. Additionally, when a county has multiple school districts, the district with the majority of students would be authorized to call the referendum. The amendment also provides that the new sales tax would not count against existing local sales tax limitations and would not be subject to food and beverage tax exemptions. If approved by voters, the amendment would give local school systems more flexibility in funding their operational and capital expenses while providing a mechanism to potentially reduce property tax burdens.

Budget and Finance

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71923