All Roll Calls
Yes: 220 • No: 1
GeorgiaHB 8422025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Whitfield County; ad valorem tax; revise homestead exemption amount
Sponsored By: Kasey Carpenter (Republican), Jason Ridley (Republican), Steve Tarvin (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, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Bigger property tax break for Whitfield seniors
The law raises the Whitfield County homestead exemption for county property taxes to $325,000 of appraised value. It applies to homeowners who are 70 or older on or before January 1 of the application year. The exemption applies to tax years starting January 1, 2026. This change takes effect only if a majority of Whitfield County voters approve it in a local vote on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2025. For your county tax, subtract $325,000 from your appraised value (not below zero) and apply the county millage rate.
County vote to approve senior tax break
Whitfield County must hold a local election on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2025 on the senior homestead exemption increase. The county must publish notice once a week for the two weeks before the vote and pay the election costs. If more than half of voters approve, the higher exemption takes effect January 1, 2026. If the measure is not approved or the election is not held as required, the Act is repealed 365 days after that election date. The election superintendent must certify results to the Secretary of State, and voters can ask a court to order compliance. The Act also includes the state constitutional rule that it must pass both the House and Senate by a two‑thirds vote.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Kasey Carpenter
Republican • House
Jason Ridley
Republican • House
Steve Tarvin
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 343
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
3/27/2025HouseHouse Hopper
3/25/2025HouseHouse First Readers
3/25/2025House
Bill Text
HB 842/AP* (v4)
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