25 LC 50 1030S
The House Committee on Ways and Means offers the following substitute to HB 92:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Code Section 48-5-44.2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to1
base year homestead exemption, so as to postpone the date by which local governing2
authorities are authorized to opt out of such homestead exemption; to provide for related3
matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5
SECTION 1.6
Code Section 48-5-44.2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to base year7
homestead exemption, is amended by revising subsection (i) as follows:8
"(i) The governing authority of any county, consolidated government, municipality, or9
school district may elect to opt out of the homestead exemption otherwise granted by10
subsection (b) of this Code section with respect to such political subdivision through the11
adoption of a resolution to do the same by March May 1, 2025, after completing the12
following steps:13
(1) The governing authority shall advertise its intent to do so and shall conduct at least14
three public hearings thereon, at least one of which shall commence between the hours15
of 6:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M., inclusive, on a business weekday. The governing authority16
H. B. 92 (SUB)
- 1 - 25 LC 50 1030S
shall place an advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation serving the residents17
of the political subdivision and post such advertisement on its website, which shall read18
as follows:19
'INTENT TO OPT OUT OF HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION20
The (name of governing authority) intends to opt out of the statewide adjusted base21
year ad valorem homestead exemption for (name of the political subdivision).22
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this matter to be held at23
(place of meeting) on (date and time).24
Times and places of additional public hearings on this matter are at (place of meeting)25
on (date and time).'26
Simultaneously with this notice the governing authority shall provide a press release to27
the local media.28
(2) The advertisement required by paragraph (1) of this subsection shall appear at least29
one week prior to each hearing, be prominently displayed, be not less than 30 square30
inches, and not be placed in that section of the newspaper where legal notices appear and31
shall be posted on the appropriate website at least one week prior to each hearing. In32
addition to the advertisement specified under this paragraph, the levying or33
recommending authority may include in the notice reasons or explanations for its34
intention to opt out of the homestead exemption.35
(3) No resolution to opt out of the homestead exemption shall become effective with36
respect to a political subdivision unless the procedures and hearings required by this37
subsection are completed and a copy of such resolution is filed with the Secretary of State38
by March May 1, 2025."39
H. B. 92 (SUB)
- 2 - 25 LC 50 1030S
SECTION 2.40
This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law41
without such approval.42
SECTION 3.43
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.44
H. B. 92 (SUB)
- 3 -