summary
Introduced
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
In Committee
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/02/2026
04/02/2026
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Titles 36, 44, 46, and 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to local government, property, public utilities and public transportation, and revenue and taxation, respectively, so as to prohibit local governments from adding unpaid service charges to the ad valorem tax roll for purposes of tax execution or tax sale of an owner occupied dwelling; to prohibit foreclosure sales based on liens from condominium and property owners' associations for unpaid assessments; to provide for assessments from condominium associations and property owners' associations to be considered unsecured debts; to prohibit forced sales of owner occupied dwellings for nontax service charges; to prohibit utilities from foreclosing on owner occupied dwellings for unpaid service fees; to prohibit tax sales based on nontax service charges; to provide for civil remedies and penalties; to make conforming changes; to provide for a short title; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Georgia Homeownership Protection Act of 2026, aims to safeguard homeowners by preventing forced sales of owner-occupied dwellings for unpaid non-tax related charges. Specifically, it prohibits local governments from adding unpaid service charges, such as for water, sewer, or solid waste, to the ad valorem tax roll for the purpose of tax execution or sale. It also prevents foreclosure sales based on liens from condominium and property owners' associations for unpaid assessments, declaring such assessments to be unsecured debts. Furthermore, the bill prohibits utilities from foreclosing on owner-occupied homes for unpaid service fees and prevents tax sales based on these non-tax service charges. The act also establishes civil remedies and penalties for violations, and includes provisions for conforming changes to existing laws, with an effective date of July 1, 2026, applying to foreclosure actions filed on or after that date.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (6)
Viola Davis (D)*,
Gerald Greene (R)*,
David Huddleston (R)*,
Kim Schofield (D)*,
Sandra Scott (D)*,
Rhonda Taylor (D)*,
Last Action
House Committee Favorably Reported (on 02/26/2026)
Bill Topics
Community Development and Housing Issues
- ‐ Housing and Real Estate Finance
- ‐ Other Housing
- ‐ Secondary Mortgages and Foreclosures
Government Operations
- ‐ Tax Administration and Collection of Revenue
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72365 | 01/27/2026 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/240219 | 01/27/2026 |
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