Bill > HB1145

This bill proposes a new state-wide homestead exemption for certain public service employees in Georgia, meaning a property tax exemption for their primary residence. To qualify, an individual must have a gross income that is 150% or less of the area median income (the median income for their specific region) and be employed as a firefighter, paramedic, certified peace officer, law enforcement officer, teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, or a hospital employee. The exemption amount would be equal to the increase in the assessed value of their homestead (their primary residence) from a "base year" (the year before the exemption was first granted to the current owner) to the current year, and it would not apply to improvements or additional land acquired after the base year. This exemption would replace any other homestead exemption they might be receiving and would require an application process, though it would automatically renew annually as long as the owner occupies the home and remains eligible. The bill also specifies that this exemption would only take effect on January 1, 2027, if approved by a two-thirds vote in both houses of the Georgia General Assembly and then by a majority of voters in a statewide referendum held in November 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72705