All Roll Calls
Yes: 223 • No: 0
GeorgiaHB 7832025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Columbia County; school district ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
Sponsored By: Rob Clifton (Republican), Rob Leverett (Republican), Mark Newton (Republican), Gary Richardson (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Intragovernmental CoordinationState and Local Governmental OperationsLocal Bill
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
School tax break for Columbia County homeowners
Beginning January 1, 2026, $8,000 of your home's assessed value is exempt from Columbia County school district taxes. It applies only to the school district portion, including taxes for school bonds. It does not reduce state, county, other school district, or city property taxes. You must live in the home as your homestead, up to five adjoining acres. This is on top of other homestead exemptions, but it is reduced by any amount under Georgia Code 48-5-44.
Apply once for Columbia County school exemption
You or your agent must file an application with the Columbia County tax commissioner to get this exemption. The county provides the forms. Once granted, it renews automatically each year while you live there as your homestead. You must tell the tax commissioner if you no longer qualify. These rules apply beginning January 1, 2026.
Voters decide school tax break in 2025
Columbia County voters will see this question on the ballot on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. If more than half vote Yes, the school homestead exemption takes effect January 1, 2026. If it fails or the election is not held as required, the Act is repealed 365 days after the election. Columbia County pays the election cost. The election superintendent must certify results to the Secretary of State.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Rob Clifton
Republican • House
Rob Leverett
Republican • House
Mark Newton
Republican • House
Gary Richardson
Republican • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/28/2025
LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR
Yes: 53 • No: 0
House vote • 3/25/2025
Local Calendar
Yes: 170 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
House Date Signed by Governor
5/13/2025HouseAct 225
5/13/2025Effective Date
5/13/2025House Sent to Governor
4/8/2025HouseSenate Committee Favorably Reported
3/28/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
3/28/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
3/27/2025SenateHouse Committee Favorably Reported
3/25/2025HouseHouse Third Readers
3/25/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted
3/25/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
3/21/2025HouseHouse First Readers
3/20/2025HouseHouse Hopper
3/18/2025House
Bill Text
HB 783/AP* (v4)
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