All Roll Calls
Yes: 220 • No: 1
GeorgiaHB 8232025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Dawson County; ad valorem tax; homestead exemption; revise definition of senior citizen
Sponsored By: Johnny Chastain (Republican), Will Wade (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Intragovernmental CoordinationState and Local Governmental OperationsLocal Bill
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Dawson senior homestead break expands
The law expands Dawson County’s senior homestead exemption to longtime residents. You qualify if you live in Dawson County and have owned a homestead here, or have kept your primary home here for at least 30 years. The break only lowers Dawson County property taxes for county purposes. It does not cut state, school, or city property taxes. It also replaces other county homestead breaks; you cannot stack them. This change takes effect only if county voters approve; if approved, it starts January 1, 2026. If voters reject it or the election is not run as required, it is repealed 365 days after the election.
County vote by Nov 2025 required
Dawson County must hold a voter referendum no later than the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2025. The election office must publish notice, run the election, and certify results to the Secretary of State. Dawson County pays the election costs, and a court can order the vote if officials do not act. The law also moves a referenced date in prior text from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2025.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Johnny Chastain
Republican • House
Will Wade
Republican • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/2/2025
SUPPLEMENTAL LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR
Yes: 55 • No: 1
House vote • 3/31/2025
Local Calendar Without HBs 851 & 852
Yes: 165 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
House Date Signed by Governor
5/14/2025HouseAct 337
5/14/2025Effective Date
5/14/2025House Sent to Governor
4/8/2025HouseSenate Committee Favorably Reported
4/2/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
4/2/2025SenateHouse Committee Favorably Reported
3/31/2025HouseHouse Third Readers
3/31/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted
3/31/2025HouseSenate Read and Referred
3/31/2025SenateHouse Second Readers
3/28/2025HouseHouse First Readers
3/27/2025HouseHouse Hopper
3/25/2025House
Bill Text
HB 823/AP* (v4)
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