GA HB1280

Authorizes the Georgia General Assembly to allow counties, through local legislation, to elect their chief appraiser rather than having the position appointed by the board of tax assessors.

Elected chief appraisers would serve 4-year terms, be elected and removed in the same manner as clerks of superior courts, and must obtain state appraiser qualifications within 60 days of election or vacate the office.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 25 years old, registered voters, county residents for at least one year prior to qualifying, and have no felony or moral turpitude convictions.

Vacancies would be filled temporarily by the board of assessors until a special election can be held to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

Local acts authorizing elected chief appraisers must also establish compensation for the position; elected chief appraisers retain the same duties as appointed ones, including ensuring every county parcel is appraised at least every three years.