Peach Tree Times

State Representative Penny Houston, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development, has updated her constituents about the constitutional amendments and statewide referendum set to appear on the November 5 ballot. Rep. Houston aims to inform voters in Berrien, Cook, and Tift counties about these tax relief initiatives that could alleviate property tax pressures.

Rep. Houston stated, “I want to ensure that our community is fully informed about the amendments and referendum that will appear on the November ballot.” She emphasized the potential benefits of these initiatives and encouraged residents of House District 170 to consider them carefully before voting.

One measure on the ballot is a "floating" homestead exemption under House Bill 581. This would limit annual property tax increases by tying assessed values to the Consumer Price Index. The exemption applies across all taxing authorities including city, county, and school taxes. Counties could also implement a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) to further reduce or eliminate property taxes. The bill allows political subdivisions to opt out of this homestead exemption.

Constitutional Amendment 1 seeks to enact HB 581 by amending the Constitution so that the General Assembly can offer a statewide homestead exemption applicable to all counties and local governments. If approved, this would introduce a new "floating" homestead exemption limiting annual assessment increases on homesteaded properties according to inflation rates.

Constitutional Amendment 2 proposes allowing the Georgia Tax Court judicial power with statewide jurisdiction for handling tax law appeals more efficiently. Judges would be appointed by the governor for four-year terms subject to approval by legislative committees.

The Statewide Referendum A aims to increase ad valorem taxation exemptions on tangible personal property from $7,500 to $20,000 in value—excluding motor vehicles, trailers, and mobile homes—from property taxes.

Early voting began on October 15 and ends November 1 with Election Day scheduled for November 5.