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HB 40

Fort Oglethorpe, City of; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption

2026 Special Session Introduced by Mike Cameron and 2 co-sponsors

HB 40 would provide a homestead exemption for qualifying Fort Oglethorpe residents, reducing ad valorem property taxes on primary residences.

House Lost Reconsidered Bill/Resolution
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Bill Summary · HB 40

Bill overview

  • Bill: HB 40
  • Session: 2026_ss (Georgia)
  • Jurisdiction: City of Fort Oglethorpe
  • Subject: Ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption

Purpose and intent

HB 40 proposes to create or expand a homestead exemption for residents within the City of Fort Oglethorpe that reduces the ad valorem property tax burden on qualifying homeowners. The exact parameters (e.g., exemption amount, percentage, or eligibility criteria) are not stated in the provided text, but the bill’s primary aim is to provide property tax relief to city residents by exempting a portion of the assessed value of a homestead from taxation.

Key provisions and changes (anticipated based on title)

  • Establishment or enhancement of a homestead exemption for residents of the City of Fort Oglethorpe.
  • Specifications likely to include:
    • Eligibility criteria (e.g., ownership, primary residence status, age or disability considerations if any)
    • Exemption amount or percentage of assessed value that would be exempt from ad valorem taxes
    • Applications, process, and documentation required to claim the exemption
    • Interaction with municipal budgets and other exemptions (e.g., senior, disability, or state-level exemptions)
  • Administrative framework for granting the exemption at the local level (city tax assessor or collector, revenue department, or similar authority)

Note: The exact numeric details (dollar amounts, percentages, or thresholds) are not included in the provided excerpt.

Who would be affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Homeowners in Fort Oglethorpe who qualify for the homestead exemption (likely primary residents who meet ownership and occupancy requirements).
  • Indirect effects: The City of Fort Oglethorpe’s property tax base would be affected, potentially reducing tax revenue collected from homesteaded properties. Other taxpayers in the city could experience shifts in tax burden if the exemption reduces overall revenue.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status history:
    • June 17, 2026: House Hopper (initial introduction and referral processes)
    • June 20, 2026: Multiple key floor actions including Third Readers and reconsideration events
    • June 20, 2026: House Third Reading completed and potential loss or reconsideration decisions recorded
    • June 20–22, 2026: Committee favorably reported; House reconsiderations and final readings occurred
  • Sponsors:
    • Co-sponsors: Steve Tarvin, Mitchell Horner, Mike Cameron
  • The bill’s progression indicates active consideration in committee and on the floor, with multiple readings and potential final passage or reconsideration decisions in late June 2026.

Practical considerations

  • If enacted, eligible Fort Oglethorpe homeowners would file or update exemptions with the city tax authority, subject to any required documentation and deadlines.
  • The exemption would lower annual property tax liabilities for qualified homesteads, potentially affecting municipal budgeting and service funding.
  • The specific exemption amount and eligibility rules are critical to understanding the financial impact on individual homeowners and city revenues.

Summary

HB 40 seeks to provide a homestead exemption to qualifying Fort Oglethorpe residents, reducing ad valorem property taxes on primary residences. While the executive summary points to targeted relief for homeowners, precise exemption details (amount, percentage, thresholds, and application process) are not included in the provided text. The bill has undergone committee review and multiple floor actions in June 2026, with several sponsors listed, signaling active legislative movement.

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

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