Georgia House signs off on financial relief bills

The Georgia House signed off on several measures that proponents say will give taxpayers some financial relief.

House Resolution 42, sponsored by state Rep. Matthew Gambill, R-Cartersville, would ratify executive orders issued by Governor Brian Kemp between September 24, 2024, and October 16, 2024, related to the suspension of the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes.

House Bill 92, sponsored by state Rep. Shaw Blackmon, R-Bonaire, would extend the deadline for local governments to participate in the base-year homestead tax exemption to March 31, 2025. This exemption would protect Georgia homeowners from excessive property tax increases.

Last November, it passed overwhelmingly on the ballot in all 159 counties throughout Georgia. HB 92 would provide local governments considering opting out of this local tax relief with reasonable time to reconsider.

“Today, the Georgia House reaffirmed our commitment to providing Georgia homeowners with relief from excessive property tax increases with the passage of HB 92,” Blackmon said in a release. “Voters across the state overwhelmingly expressed their support for this measure at the ballot box last November, but despite this, local governments with ample revenue and resources continue to opt out of this critical local tax relief.

“The floating homestead exemption has been successfully implemented in other states and more than 60 local governments across Georgia, proving its effectiveness without causing financial strain,” Blackmon said. “While this exemption will not decrease the property taxes paid, it will protect homeowners from sudden, large increases that can happen when home values rise sharply beyond typical inflation levels. These hikes are often unexpected and can be difficult to manage for homeowners looking for budget-friendly options. Since property value increases vary, the floating exemption offers protections tailored to each situation. We strongly encourage local governments to not opt out of this opportunity, as it provides necessary protections for homeowners and ensures stability in the community.”

House Bill 223, sponsored by state Rep. James Burchett, R-Waycross, would exclude federal disaster relief payments, federal assistance grants and federal crop insurance related to Hurricane Helene recovery from counting toward taxable net income for tax years 2024 through 2029. The bill would also provide a tax credit for timber losses and a sales tax exemption for building materials used to repair or replace greenhouses or structures used for the production of animals.

“The members of the Georgia House have consistently championed measures that keep taxpayer dollars where they belong—in the pockets of hardworking Georgians,” Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns, R-Newington, said in a release. “Today, we took steps to continue delivering on our commitment to do just that by advancing legislation that would provide critical tax relief to Georgia families, farmers and citizens across the state.”