SB 382: Ad Valorem Taxation; make the state-wide base year homestead exemption mandatory for all political subdivisions - Georgia

LC 33 9908S/hss → LC 33 9912S/hss · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to remove references to Title 21 (elections) from its scope, add requirements for sales tax returns to include specific collection information, and change the deadline for local sales tax caps from December 31, 2027 to December 31, 2026. The amendment also adds a new provision allowing up to 1 percent in aggregate of sales and use taxes authorized under specific code sections.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed by removing Title 21 (elections) from the list of amended titles, and the sales tax cap deadline was moved forward by one year.

SCOPE

Title 21 (elections) was removed from the list of titles being amended, indicating the bill no longer addresses election-related provisions.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement that each sales tax return must include specific information regarding the collection of such taxes.

TIMELINE

The deadline for the local sales and use tax cap was changed from December 31, 2027 to December 31, 2026.

ELIGIBILITY

Added a new provision allowing up to 1 percent in aggregate of sales and use taxes authorized under Code Section 48-8-96, Code Section 48-8-97, Article 2B of Chapter 8, Part 3 of Article 3 of Chapter 8, and Article 4 of Chapter 8.

As Passed Senate → LC 33 9908S/hss · 7 edits

MODERATE

The bill was substantially rewritten from a Senate version to a House substitute version that expands its scope from primarily property tax reforms to include broader education, election, and local government provisions. The new version adds significant changes to sales and use tax caps, introduces new tax options for special districts, and establishes a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST).

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from focusing on property tax exemptions and sales tax procedures to include comprehensive property tax reform, education funding changes, election procedures for local tax increases, and new special district tax options.

SCOPE

The bill now covers Titles 20, 21, 36, and 48 instead of just Title 48, adding education, elections, and local government provisions to the original property tax focus.

REQUIREMENT

New requirement that local board of education annual operating budget resolutions must be approved by referendum if they increase certain revenues by a specific amount.

Removed the condition precedent requiring intergovernmental agreements for special district option sales and use tax referendums.

FISCAL

Establishes a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST) and authorizes new special district option sales and use taxes upon resolution of governing authorities.

TIMELINE

Sales and use tax cap changes now include a temporary exception until December 31, 2027, with a July 1, 2024 effective date for the 2 percent limitation.

ELIGIBILITY

Added provisions to limit the dates of special elections for local revenue increases and revise homestead exemption application procedures.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions and established a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST) with specific provisions for imposition, collection, and distribution of proceeds.

As introduced LC 50 1295 → As Passed Senate · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended during Senate passage to revise the timing for annual reduction of the roll-back rate for special district option sales and use taxes. The changes also updated the bill's tracking numbers and formatting, while maintaining the same core provisions regarding tax relief requirements and effective dates.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on special district option sales and use taxes, but the timing for annual roll-back rate reduction was modified to provide clearer guidance on when reductions occur.

REQUIREMENT

The purpose statement was updated to clarify that the bill revises the timing for annual reduction of the roll-back rate, replacing the previous language about a condition precedent to calling a referendum.

TECHNICAL

The bill's tracking numbers were changed from LC 50 1295 to LC 44 3390S (SCS) to reflect its progression through the legislative process.

New page markers and formatting were added to reflect the bill's status as passed by the Senate.

Ad Valorem Taxation; make the state-wide base year homestead exemption mandatory for all political subdivisions

What changed between versions

How they voted

Actions timeline

Sponsors