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HB 24

Franklin County; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption

2026 Special Session Introduced by Alan Powell

HB 24 provides a targeted homestead exemption in Franklin County to reduce property taxes on qualifying primary residences.

House Lost Reconsidered Bill/Resolution
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 24

HB 24 (2026_ss) — Georgia: Franklin County; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to modify ad valorem tax treatment for a homestead in Franklin County by providing a targeted homestead exemption.
  • It is designed to reduce the property tax burden on qualifying homeowners by increasing the exemption applicable to their primary residence.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishes or expands a homestead exemption for Franklin County property owners (specific exemption amount and calculation method would be defined in the enacted text; this summary reflects the bill’s general aim to provide tax relief for homesteads).
  • Applicable property: primary residence (homestead) of eligible homeowners within Franklin County.
  • The exemption typically reduces assessed value or limited taxable value used to compute ad valorem taxes. The precise mechanics (e.g., percentage of value exempt, dollar cap, phase-in periods) would be specified in the bill’s detailed language.
  • Coordination with county tax officials: Counties administer exemptions, so provisions likely outline filing requirements, documentation, and verification processes for homeowners to claim the exemption.
  • Effective date: The bill would specify when the exemption takes effect (e.g., for the current tax year or a future year) and whether there is a transition period for taxpayers already receiving other exemptions.

Who would be affected

  • Primary homeowners residing in Franklin County who qualify for the homestead exemption.
  • Property tax administration in Franklin County, including the County Tax Assessor/Tax Commissioner and the Board of Tax Assessors, which would implement claim processing and exemptions.
  • Potential indirect beneficiaries or stakeholders include renters via tax policy impacts on property tax distributions, and local government budgeting depending on revenue implications.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The legislative timeline shown in the action history indicates:
    • Introduction and passage through initial committees and readings with consideration by the House.
    • A sequence of favorable reports and readings culminating in consideration by the full House and potential reconsiderations.
    • Noted actions include “House Hopper,” “First Readers,” “Second Readers,” “Third Readers,” and “Reconsideration” events.
  • Specific dates reflect activity in June 2026, with a pattern of amendments or reconsideration typical of a bill that has progressed through committees and chamber readings.
  • The sponsor is listed as having a co-sponsor: Alan Powell, indicating bipartisan or additional support within the chamber.

Financial and fiscal considerations

  • The exemption reduces local ad valorem tax revenue collected by Franklin County and potentially affected overlapping school district or special district levies.
  • Fiscal impact would depend on the exemption amount, the number of qualifying homesteads, and any state or local matching or policy adjustments to offset revenue losses.
  • Schools and local services may experience impacts that would be analyzed in fiscal notes accompanying the bill.

Practical considerations for filers and local government

  • Homeowners in Franklin County should monitor official notices for filing deadlines, documentation requirements, and the exact exemption amount.
  • Local tax offices would provide guidance on how to claim the exemption and any necessary renewal or reapplication processes.

Note: This summary is based on the bill’s title, sponsor information, and standard features of homestead exemptions in Georgia. For precise exemption amounts, eligibility criteria (e.g., age, disability, income limitations if any), filing deadlines, and effective dates, the full text of HB 24 and fiscal notes from the Georgia General Assembly should be consulted.

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

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