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HB1200 • 2025

Chatham County; City of Savannah; school district ad valorem tax; homestead exemption; provisions

Chatham County; City of Savannah; school district ad valorem tax; homestead exemption; provisions

Education Taxes
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Stephens, Ron
Last action
2026-05-11
Official status
House Date Signed by Governor
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official summary confirms the existence of judicial remedies, effective dates, and automatic repeal provisions, but does not provide specific details on how these mechanisms function beyond their inclusion.

Chatham County and Savannah School Tax Exemption Cap

This law prevents the base value used to calculate property tax exemptions for homeowners in Chatham County and the City of Savannah from rising above its level set in tax year 2025.

What This Bill Does

  • Amends an existing act regarding homestead exemptions for school district ad valorem taxes in Chatham County and the City of Savannah.
  • Prevents increases in the adjusted base year assessed value of properties above the amount set in tax year 2025.
  • Provides rules to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements.
  • Requires a public vote (referendum) on these changes.
  • Sets effective dates and includes an automatic repeal provision.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Homeowners in Chatham County who receive homestead exemptions from school district taxes.
  • The City of Savannah School District regarding ad valorem tax calculations.

Terms To Know

Ad Valorem Tax
A property tax based on the assessed value of a home or land.
Homestead Exemption
A reduction in taxes for people who live in their own homes as their primary residence.
Base Year Assessed Value
The specific property value used to calculate the tax exemption amount, which this law freezes at 2025 levels.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The exact date of the referendum is not specified in the provided text.
  • The bill does not detail how much money will be saved by individual homeowners.
  • Specific judicial remedies for non-compliance are mentioned but their details are not described.

Bill History

  1. 2026-05-11 Georgia General Assembly

    House Date Signed by Governor

Official Summary Text

Chatham County; City of Savannah; school district ad valorem tax; homestead exemption; provisions