GA HB850

Augusta-Richmond County residents would receive a homestead exemption from county ad valorem taxes equal to the difference between the current year assessed value and an adjusted base year assessed value, effectively capping annual assessment increases at 3.2%

The exemption applies only to consolidated government taxes, excluding state taxes, school district taxes, municipal taxes, and taxes for bonded indebtedness

Homeowners who received a homestead exemption in 2025 would automatically qualify for the new exemption in 2026 without filing a new application; unremarried surviving spouses may continue receiving the exemption

A referendum is required on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November 2025, with the exemption taking effect January 1, 2026 if approved by majority vote

The Act requires two-thirds majority approval in both the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives to become law