Georgia House Bill HB1087

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Report Pass: 2/8/24
• Refer: 2/9/24
• Engrossed: 2/8/24
• Report Pass: 2/21/24
• Enrolled: 4/1/24
• Chaptered: 5/1/24
• Passed: 5/1/24

Caption

Barrow County; ad valorem tax for educational purposes for certain senior citizens with certain maximum incomes; provide homestead exemption

Impact

If enacted, the bill would directly affect the taxation landscape in Barrow County by exempting eligible seniors from a significant portion of their property tax obligations. The exemption is designed to remain effective year after year as long as the conditions are met and can potentially aid in keeping senior citizens in their homes longer by reducing the financial pressures associated with property taxes. The legislation aligns with broader state goals of providing support for the aging population.

Summary

House Bill 1087 aims to provide a homestead exemption from Barrow County school district ad valorem taxes dedicated to educational purposes for senior citizens aged 70 and above. The bill specifically targets individuals whose combined income does not exceed $112,999.99 in the previous year. This measure seeks to ease the financial burden on elderly residents, allowing them to retain more of their income and assets as they enter retirement.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1087 appears to be largely supportive among the community, particularly among senior citizens and advocacy groups working on behalf of the elderly. Proponents argue it is a much-needed step for financial relief in a challenging economic environment, while concerns may arise from those worried about potential impacts on school funding, as the exempted taxes could affect overall revenue dedicated to educational services.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions about the income threshold for eligibility, as some may argue that this limit is appropriately set to balance assistance with budgetary impacts on the Barrow County school district. Additionally, the bill's requirements for application and renewal may lead to debates about accessibility for some seniors, especially those less familiar with bureaucratic processes. Overall, the bill reflects ongoing tensions between providing necessary support for vulnerable populations and ensuring sustainable funding for public services.