GA HB782

Creates a homestead exemption from Chatham County school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes, freezing the taxable value at the base year assessed value for qualifying homeowners

Exemption equals the difference between current year assessed value and base year assessed value, effectively shielding homeowners from tax increases due to rising property assessments

Applies to homesteads of up to five contiguous acres; does not cover improvements or additional land added after January 1 of the base year, and does not affect taxes for county school district bonded indebtedness

Requires a referendum on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November 2025; if approved by majority vote, takes effect January 1, 2026

Exemption automatically renews annually as long as the homeowner occupies the residence and transfers to surviving spouses who continue to occupy the home