All Roll Calls
Yes: 220 • No: 1
GeorgiaHB 8502025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Augusta-Richmond County; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
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
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Augusta-Richmond homestead break cuts county taxes
If voters approve it on November 4, 2025, you can get a new homestead break starting January 1, 2026. It exempts the amount your current assessed value is above your adjusted base value. Your base starts with your 2025 value and can rise only 3.2% a year, plus any major property changes. This break reduces only Augusta-Richmond consolidated-government taxes, not bonded debt, state, school, or city taxes. If you qualify for another base‑year homestead for county taxes, the county applies only the one that saves you more.
2025 county vote decides homestead break
Augusta-Richmond holds an election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The county posts notice once a week for two weeks before the vote. If a majority says yes, the homestead break starts January 1, 2026. If voters say no, it does not take effect and the act is repealed 365 days after the vote. The county pays the election costs.
How to claim and keep the homestead break
If you had a homestead exemption in 2025 and still qualify, you get the new break in 2026 without applying. Others must apply with the Augusta-Richmond tax commissioner. It renews each year while you live in the home, and you must report if you stop qualifying. The break does not transfer to a new owner, but an unremarried surviving spouse can keep it if they stay in the home.
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 • 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
5/9/2025HouseAct 101
5/9/2025Effective Date
5/9/2025House Sent to Governor
4/10/2025HouseSenate 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 850/AP* (v4)
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