The Georgia House passed three key measures Tuesday that leaders say will provide “much-needed financial relief to Georgia’s hardworking taxpayers,” including property tax relief, motor fuel tax relief and tax relief related to hurricane recovery efforts.
“The members of the Georgia House have consistently championed measures that keep taxpayer dollars where they belong—in the pockets of hardworking Georgians,” said Speaker of the House Jon Burns, R-Newington. “Today, we took steps to continue delivering on our commitment to do just that by advancing legislation that would provide critical tax relief to Georgia families, farmers and citizens across the state.”
Among those bills was House Bill 92, sponsored by Chairman Shaw Blackmon, R-Bonaire, which would extend the deadline for local governments to participate in the base year homestead tax exemption to March 31, 2025. Last November, this exemption passed overwhelmingly on the ballot in all 159 counties throughout Georgia. HB 92 provides local governments that are considering opting out of this local tax relief with reasonable time to reconsider.
“Today, the Georgia House reaffirmed our commitment to providing Georgia homeowners with relief from excessive property tax increases with the passage of HB 92,” said Blackmon. “Voters across the state overwhelmingly expressed their support for this measure at the ballot box last November, but despite this, local governments with ample revenue and resources continue to opt out of this critical local tax relief. I, along with many other members of the Georgia House, stand ready to ensure Georgia taxpayers receive the tax relief they voted for.”
HB 92 provides local governments that are considering opting out of this local tax relief with time to reconsider, according to Blackmon.
“The floating homestead exemption has been successfully implemented in other states and more than 60 local governments across Georgia, proving its effectiveness without causing financial strain,” added Blackmon. “While this exemption will not decrease the property taxes paid, it will protect homeowners from sudden, large increases that can happen when home values rise sharply beyond typical inflation levels. These hikes are often unexpected and can be difficult to manage for homeowners looking for budget-friendly options. Since property value increases vary, the floating exemption offers protections tailored to each situation. We strongly encourage local governments to not opt out of this opportunity, as it provides necessary protections for homeowners and ensures stability in the community.”
Other measures passed by the House include:
HB 223 – House Bill 223, sponsored by Rep. James Burchett, R-Waycross, would exclude federal disaster relief payments, federal assistance grants and federal crop insurance related to Hurricane Helene recovery from counting toward taxable net income for tax years 2024 through 2029. The bill also would also provide a tax credit for timber losses and a sales tax exemption for building materials used to repair or replace greenhouses or structures used for the production of animals.
HR 42 – House Resolution 42, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Gambill, R-Cartersville, would ratify executive orders issued by Gov. Brian Kemp between September 24, 2024, and October 16, 2024, related to the suspension of the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes.
