Bill > HB1524

This bill proposes a new homestead exemption from Gwinnett County school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes, which are taxes specifically for schools and to pay off school bonds. For residents who are 65 but not yet 70 years old and meet certain ownership and residency requirements, the exemption would cover 50 percent of their home's assessed value, after any other applicable homestead exemptions are applied. For residents who are 70 years or older and meet the same requirements, the exemption would cover the full assessed value of their home, again after other exemptions. To receive this exemption, residents must apply with the Gwinnett County tax commissioner, and the exemption will automatically renew annually as long as they continue to occupy the home as their homestead, though they must notify the tax commissioner if they become ineligible. This exemption would not affect state, county, or municipal taxes, or taxes for independent school districts, and it would be the most beneficial senior citizen exemption available for Gwinnett County school district taxes. The bill also outlines that it must pass with a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate and will be submitted to the voters of the Gwinnett County school district in a referendum in November 2026, with the exemption taking effect on January 1, 2027, if approved by the voters.