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GeorgiaHB 15832025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Fayette County; ad valorem tax; floating proportional amount based upon any increased property tax collections; provide new exemption

Sponsored By: Debra Bazemore (Democrat), Josh Bonner (Republican), Derrick Jackson (Democrat), Karen Mathiak (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Intragovernmental CoordinationState and Local Governmental OperationsLocal Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

New tax break for Fayette homeowners

The law authorizes a new county property tax break for eligible Fayette County homestead owners who meet its age rules. It starts January 1, 2027, only with majority approval in the November 3, 2026 referendum. The base year is the tax year beginning January 1, 2025. Annual county-purpose property tax collections must exceed twice that year's total; otherwise, the next year's exemption is zero. Only money above that threshold funds the next year's exemption. After the next year's property tax roll is approved, county officials calculate an equal dollar-value exemption for all qualifying homesteads. County leaders can use less than the available funds, and unused money and interest can enter the county general fund. School taxes and the existing school-district homestead exemption remain unchanged.

Fayette County pays for exemption vote

Fayette County must pay for the November 3, 2026 referendum on the tax exemption; no election cost is specified. The law required two-thirds approval in both chambers of the Georgia legislature. More than half of votes cast on the measure must favor approval, and the election must follow the law. Without approval or a properly conducted election, the exemption never takes effect and is automatically repealed 365 days after that date. Courts can order election officials to carry out their required duties.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Debra Bazemore

    Democrat • House

  • Josh Bonner

    Republican • House

  • Derrick Jackson

    Democrat • House

  • Karen Mathiak

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 202 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2026

LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR

Yes: 49 • No: 0 • Other: 5

House vote • 3/27/2026

Local Calendar

Yes: 153 • No: 0 • Other: 24

Actions Timeline

  1. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2026House

  2. Act 687

    5/12/2026

  3. Effective Date

    5/12/2026

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026House

  5. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    4/2/2026Senate

  6. Senate Passed/Adopted

    4/2/2026Senate

  7. House Committee Favorably Reported

    3/27/2026House

  8. House Third Readers

    3/27/2026House

  9. House Passed/Adopted

    3/27/2026House

  10. Senate Read and Referred

    3/27/2026Senate

  11. House Second Readers

    3/23/2026House

  12. House First Readers

    3/20/2026House

  13. House Hopper

    3/19/2026House

Bill Text

  • HB 1583/AP* (v4)

    PDF

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