GA
Georgia Senate Bill SB156

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB156

Introduced
2/13/23  
Refer
2/14/23  
Introduced
2/13/23  

Caption

Sales Taxes; consolidated governments to use the proceeds of such tax to establish a maintenance reserve fund; authorize

Impact

By allowing consolidated governments to create a maintenance reserve fund, SB156 effectively broadens the scope of financial resources available for the management of capital outlay projects. This enhancement is seen as a method to ensure that consolidated governments are not only able to implement new projects but also maintain them over time. The bill eliminates restrictions that may have previously limited the collection of sales tax revenues without a maximum time frame, which offers added flexibility and sustainability in funding operational capacities for local projects.

Summary

Senate Bill 156 seeks to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, specifically regarding the county special purpose local option sales tax. The bill authorizes consolidated governments (those formed by the merger of counties and municipalities) to utilize the proceeds from this tax to establish a maintenance reserve fund dedicated to specific projects. This stands as a significant move to enhance the financial capabilities of consolidated governments in managing infrastructure and community projects through sustainable funding mechanisms.

Contention

Discussion around SB156 may center on the implications for local governance and financial autonomy. Proponents of the bill highlight the necessity of empowering consolidated governments with the ability to efficiently manage sales tax proceeds, thereby directly addressing community project needs. However, potential critics could argue that this shift might divert funds from other essential services or lead to potential mismanagement. The insensitivity to specific project requirements in differing regions may raise concerns over equity and the overall allocation of tax revenues, leading to challenges in addressing the varying needs of communities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB230

Revenue and taxation; qualified consolidated government special purpose local option sales tax; provide

GA HB560

Joint county and municipal sales and use tax (LOST); negotiations for distribution of tax proceeds; revise provisions

GA HB537

Revenue and taxation; maximum amount of local sales and use taxes that may be imposed; provide

GA HR882

Local school systems; levy and collect a sales and use tax for maintenance and operation expenses; provide - CA

GA HB1225

Sales and use tax; joint county and municipal sales and use tax (LOST); negotiations for the distribution of tax proceeds; revise provisions

GA SB153

Business and Occupation Taxes; levy a public safety stadium surcharge as a tax upon original ticket sales for events at eligible venues; authorize local governments

GA HB1115

Sales and use tax; revise provisions for maximum allowable tax rate; remove prohibition of simultaneously levying a LOST and a HOST

GA S00277

Authorizes the town of Chester to establish community preservation funds; establishes a real estate transfer tax with revenues therefrom to be deposited in said community preservation fund.

GA A02022

Authorizes the town of Chester to establish community preservation funds; establishes a real estate transfer tax with revenues therefrom to be deposited in said community preservation fund.

GA HB705

Relating to the substitution of a local sales and use tax for maintenance and operations property taxes imposed by certain local governments; authorizing the imposition of a tax.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.