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HB 697

Chickamauga, City of; ad valorem tax; educational purposes; provide homestead exemption

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Cameron and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 697 offers homestead tax exemptions for Chickamauga seniors, easing financial burdens by exempting those 75+ from educational taxes and providing $50,000 for ages 70-74.

Effective Date
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Bill Summary · HB 697

Summary of House Bill 697

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 697
  • Title: Chickamauga, City of; ad valorem tax; educational purposes; provide homestead exemption
  • Status: Effective Date
  • Introduced: March 03, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 697 aims to provide specific homestead tax exemptions for residents of the City of Chickamauga who are elderly. The bill is designed to alleviate the financial burden of ad valorem taxes for educational purposes on homeowners aged 70 and older, thereby supporting senior citizens in maintaining their residences.

Key Provisions

  1. Homestead Exemptions:

    • For Residents Aged 70-74: A homestead exemption of $50,000 from the assessed value of the homestead for ad valorem taxes for educational purposes.
    • For Residents Aged 75 and Older: A full exemption from ad valorem taxes for educational purposes on the assessed value of the homestead.

  2. Eligibility Criteria:

    • Applicants must be residents of the City of Chickamauga independent school district.
    • The unremarried surviving spouse of an eligible individual may continue to receive the exemption if they are at least 67 years old (for the $50,000 exemption) or 70 years old (for the full exemption) and continue to occupy the home.

  3. Application Process:

    • Eligible individuals must file an application with the governing authority of the City of Chickamauga to receive the exemption.
    • The exemption will automatically renew annually as long as the individual continues to occupy the residence.

  4. Exemption Limitations:

    • The exemptions apply only to ad valorem taxes for educational purposes and do not affect state, county, or municipal taxes for other purposes.
    • The exemptions are in lieu of any other homestead exemptions applicable to the City of Chickamauga independent school district.

  5. Effective Date:

    • The exemptions will apply to all taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and House of Representatives to become law.
  • A referendum will be held on November 4, 2025, to allow voters in the City of Chickamauga independent school district to approve or reject the bill. The election will be conducted by the municipal election superintendent, and the results will determine if the provisions take effect.

Impact

This legislation is expected to benefit senior residents of Chickamauga by reducing their tax liabilities, thereby enhancing their financial stability and ability to remain in their homes. The bill reflects a commitment to support the elderly population within the community.

Legislative Actions

  • May 13, 2025: Signed by Governor; Act 210 becomes effective.
  • April 7, 2025: Sent to Governor.
  • March 25, 2025: Favorably reported and passed by the Senate.
  • March 10, 2025: Favorably reported and passed by the House.
  • March 3, 2025: Introduced in the House.

This summary provides an overview of HB 697, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the expected impact on the community.

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

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