Bill > HB696

This bill creates an exemption from state sales and use taxes for certain computer equipment sold or leased to entities for use in high-technology data centers in Georgia. The exemption applies to equipment used to power, cool, secure, and connect the data center's own equipment or the equipment of its customers. To qualify, a high-technology data center must meet minimum investment thresholds ranging from $100 million to $250 million, depending on the county's population, and create at least 20 new quality jobs. The bill includes provisions for the Commissioner to monitor compliance and potentially revoke the exemption if the data center fails to meet the investment threshold. The exemption is effective from July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2028.