establishing a foundation opportunity budget program for funding public education.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dick Ames and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 772 raises homestead exemptions for Norcross homeowners to $45,000 and seniors to $90,000, easing tax burdens pending a November 2025 referendum.

Committee Report: Refer for Interim Study 11/13/2025 (Vote 17-0; CC)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 772 aims to increase the homestead exemption amounts for residents of the City of Norcross, Georgia, specifically targeting those who own and occupy their residences. The bill seeks to provide financial relief to homeowners by raising the exemption limits on city ad valorem taxes, thereby reducing the tax burden on eligible residents.

Key Provisions

Increased Homestead Exemptions:

General Residents: The homestead exemption for residents of Norcross will increase from $9,000 to $45,000 of the value of their homestead.
Senior Residents (65 years and older): The exemption for residents aged 65 and older will rise from $18,000 to $90,000 of the value of their homestead.

Taxation: The value of the homestead exceeding the exempted amounts will still be subject to taxation.

Effective Dates: The new exemption amounts will apply to all taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Referendum Requirement: The bill mandates a referendum for residents to approve or reject the proposed changes. This election will be conducted on November 4, 2025.

Automatic Repeal: If the referendum does not pass or if the election is not conducted as specified, the bill will be automatically repealed one year after the election date.

Compliance and Judicial Remedies: The bill includes provisions for compliance with constitutional requirements and outlines judicial remedies in case of failure to comply with the election process.

Affected Parties

Residents of Norcross: Homeowners who occupy their residences will benefit from the increased exemptions, particularly those aged 65 and older who will see a significant increase in their tax relief.

City of Norcross: The city will need to manage the implementation of the new exemptions and conduct the required referendum.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Journey:

Introduced on January 17, 2025.
Passed by the House and Senate, signed by the Governor on May 14, 2025.
Designated as Act 325 and became effective on the same day.

Voting Requirement: The bill requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and House of Representatives to become law.

Election Process: The municipal election superintendent is responsible for conducting the election and ensuring compliance with the outlined procedures.

Conclusion

House Bill 772 represents a significant change in property tax exemptions for residents of Norcross, particularly benefiting senior citizens. By increasing the homestead exemption amounts, the bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on homeowners and enhance the affordability of living in the city. The successful implementation of this bill hinges on the outcome of the upcoming referendum in November 2025.

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