Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB819 Latest Draft

Bill / Enrolled Version Filed 04/08/2025

                            25 LC 47 3541/AP
House Bill 819 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE)
By: Representative Washburn of the 144
th
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To authorize the governing authority of Jasper County to levy an excise tax pursuant to
1
subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A.; to provide for procedures,2
conditions, and limitations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for3
other purposes.4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5
SECTION 1.6
Pursuant to the authority of subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A., the7
governing authority of Jasper County is authorized to levy an excise tax at a rate not to8
exceed 8 percent of the charge for the furnishing for value to the public of any room or9
rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished by any person or legal entity licensed by, or10
required to pay business or occupation taxes to, the county for operating a hotel, motel, inn,11
lodge, tourist camp, tourist cabin, campground, or any other place in which rooms, lodgings,12
or accommodations are regularly or periodically furnished for value.13
H. B. 819
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SECTION 2.
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The enactment of this Act is subsequent to the adoption of a resolution by the governing15
authority of Jasper County on November 4, 2024, which specifies the subsequent tax rate,16
identifies the projects or tourism product development purposes, and specifies the allocation17
of proceeds.18
SECTION 3.19
In accordance with the terms of such resolution adopted by the governing authority of Jasper20
County:21
(1)  In each fiscal year during which a tax is collected pursuant to paragraph (3) of22
subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A., an amount equal to not less23
than 50 percent of the total amount of taxes collected that exceeds the amount of taxes24
that would be collected at the rate of 5 percent shall be expended for promoting tourism,25
conventions, and trade shows by the destination marketing organization designated by26
Jasper County or by such other entity already authorized to administer tourism funds27
pursuant to an existing contract as specified in paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of Code28
Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A.; and29
(2)  The remaining amount of taxes collected that exceeds the amount of taxes that would30
be collected at the rate of 5 percent which is not otherwise expended under paragraph (1)31
of this section shall be expended for tourism product development.32
SECTION 4.33
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.34
H. B. 819
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