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HB 370

Ad valorem tax; school districts; state-wide base year homestead exemption; provisions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chuck Efstration and 5 co-sponsors

House Bill 370 mandates clear financial disclosures on property tax bills for school districts opting out of a homestead exemption, enhancing taxpayer transparency.

House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub As Amended
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Bill Summary · HB 370

Summary of House Bill 370

Bill Number: HB 370
Title: Ad valorem tax; school districts; state-wide base year homestead exemption; provisions
Status: House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub As Amended
Introduced: February 10, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 370 aims to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated regarding ad valorem property tax bills for school districts that choose to opt out of the state-wide base year homestead exemption. The bill seeks to enhance transparency by requiring specific financial disclosures on property tax bills, thereby informing taxpayers about the financial status of their local school districts.

Key Provisions

  1. Disclosure Requirements:

    • For school districts opting out of the state-wide base year homestead exemption, property tax bills must include:
      • The total amount of the school district's reserve funds as of January 1 of the tax year.
      • The amount of reserve funds per enrolled student.
    • The information must be presented in bold print to ensure visibility.

  2. Statement on Opt-Out Decisions:

    • Property tax bills for counties, municipalities, or school districts that opt out of the homestead exemption must state:
      • The name of the political subdivision that opted out.
      • The governing authority's name and the date of the opt-out vote.
      • A contact number for taxpayers to express concerns regarding the decision.

  3. Effective Date:

    • The provisions of this bill will become effective upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval, applicable to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

  4. Repeal of Conflicting Laws:

    • The bill includes a clause to repeal any laws that conflict with its provisions.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • This bill primarily affects school districts that choose to opt out of the state-wide base year homestead exemption, as well as taxpayers within those districts.
    • Local governing authorities will also be impacted as they will need to ensure compliance with the new disclosure requirements.

  • Transparency for Taxpayers:

    • By mandating the disclosure of reserve funds, the bill aims to provide taxpayers with clearer insights into the financial health of their local school districts, potentially influencing public opinion and future voting on tax-related issues.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 10, 2025: Bill introduced in the House.
  • April 4, 2025: House agreed to Senate amendments.
  • April 2, 2025: Senate passed the bill by substitute after several readings and committee reports.
  • March 6, 2025: House passed the bill by substitute after committee review.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 370, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on taxpayers and local school districts in Georgia.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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