All Roll Calls
Yes: 221 • No: 1
GeorgiaHB 4982025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Garden City Charm and Tourism Act; enact
Sponsored By: Sheila Nelson (Democrat), Karlton Howard (Democrat), L.C. Myles (Democrat), Mark Newton (Republican), Brian Prince (Democrat)
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.
Extra lodging tax funds for tourism
Each year the tax is collected, the county must split the money collected above what a 5% rate would raise. At least half of that extra money must fund tourism promotion, conventions, and trade shows through the county’s designated marketing group or an authorized entity. The rest of that extra money must pay for tourism product development.
Up to 8% lodging tax in Augusta-Richmond
Augusta-Richmond County can charge up to an 8% tax on room charges for hotels, motels, short-term rentals, and campgrounds. Lodging providers licensed by the county, or that owe county business taxes, must collect and pay this tax. A county resolution adopted January 13, 2022 sets the rate and how the money is used. Conflicting prior laws are repealed, so these rules now control.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Sheila Nelson
Democrat • House
Karlton Howard
Democrat • House
L.C. Myles
Democrat • House
Mark Newton
Republican • House
Brian Prince
Democrat • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/28/2025
LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR
Yes: 51 • No: 1
House vote • 2/21/2025
Local Calendar
Yes: 170 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
House Date Signed by Governor
5/13/2025HouseAct 144
5/13/2025Effective Date
5/13/2025House Sent to Governor
4/7/2025HouseSenate Committee Favorably Reported
2/28/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
2/28/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
2/24/2025SenateHouse Committee Favorably Reported
2/21/2025HouseHouse Third Readers
2/21/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted
2/21/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
2/20/2025HouseHouse First Readers
2/19/2025HouseHouse Hopper
2/18/2025House
Bill Text
HB 498/AP* (v4)
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