PRIA Logo™
GeorgiaSB 3492025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Hancock County; levy an excise tax pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A.; authorize the governing authority

Sponsored By: David Lucas (Democrat)

Signed by Governor

Intragovernmental CoordinationState and Local Governmental OperationsLocal Bill

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Hancock County tourism gets lodging tax funds

Each fiscal year, the law directs how Hancock County spends lodging tax collections above what a 5% rate generates. At least 50% of that extra money must promote tourism, conventions, and trade shows. The county’s designated tourism marketing organization handles this spending, or another entity already authorized under an existing tourism-funding contract. All remaining money above the 5% baseline must fund tourism development.

Hancock County can tax paid lodging

The law lets Hancock County tax paid lodging charges at a rate up to 8%; it does not impose the tax. Covered stays include hotels, motels, inns, lodges, tourist camps, cabins, campgrounds, and other businesses regularly offering paid lodging. Providers must be county-licensed or required to pay county business or occupation taxes. Before imposing the tax, the county must adopt a resolution setting the rate, tourism projects or development purposes, and fund allocations. Guests pay the added tax when the county imposes it.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • David Lucas

    Democrat • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Mack Jackson

    Democrat • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 205 • No: 0

House vote • 3/20/2026

Local Calendar

Yes: 153 • No: 0 • Other: 18

Senate vote • 3/27/2025

LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR

Yes: 52 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2026Senate

  2. Act 696

    5/12/2026

  3. Effective Date

    5/12/2026

  4. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. House Committee Favorably Reported

    3/20/2026House

  6. House Third Readers

    3/20/2026House

  7. House Passed/Adopted

    3/20/2026House

  8. House Second Readers

    3/31/2025House

  9. House First Readers

    3/28/2025House

  10. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/27/2025Senate

  11. Senate Passed/Adopted

    3/27/2025Senate

  12. Senate Hopper

    3/20/2025Senate

  13. Senate Read and Referred

    3/20/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 349/AP* (v6)

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation