Georgia House GOP Proposes Eliminating Homeowner Property Taxes

Senate Democrats vow to oppose 'draconian' plan that would defund schools and police

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:39am

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Republican leaders in the Georgia House have unveiled a proposal to gradually eliminate property taxes on primary residences, but the plan faces strong opposition from Senate Democrats who argue it would 'defund' essential public services like schools and law enforcement.

Why it matters

The proposed elimination of homeowner property taxes is a major policy shift that could significantly impact state and local government budgets, as well as the cost of living for Georgia residents. The partisan divide over the plan highlights the ongoing debate over taxation and public spending in the state.

The details

The House Republican plan would gradually increase the tax exemption on primary residences from the current $2,000 to $10,000 by 2028, with the goal of eventually eliminating the property tax altogether. To offset the lost revenue, cities, counties and school districts would be allowed to use up to 2 pennies of local sales tax revenue, though the total sales tax rate would remain capped at 5%. However, Senate Democrats argue this would raise costs for families and force local service cuts, calling the proposal 'draconian' and 'unserious'.

  • The House Republican resolution calling for a constitutional amendment to eliminate the property tax was unveiled on January 30, 2026.
  • Companion legislation (House Bill 1116) with more details on the phase-out plan was filed on January 30, 2026.

The players

Jon Burns

Republican Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives.

Shaw Blackmon

Republican state representative who is the architect of the property tax elimination plan.

Harold Jones II

Democratic state senator and Senate minority leader, who opposes the Republican proposal.

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What they’re saying

“It funds your schools and it funds your police. And that's exactly what you would be defunding, quite frankly, if you actually went for either one of these proposals.”

— Harold Jones II, Senate Minority Leader (Tifton Gazette)

“Any idea of getting rid of the property tax is just draconian. I think that's going to be a hard one to get over.”

— Harold Jones II, Senate Minority Leader (Tifton Gazette)

What’s next

The House Republican proposal would require a two-thirds vote in both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly to pass a constitutional amendment. Senate Democrats, who do not have a two-thirds majority, have vowed to oppose the plan, setting up a partisan showdown over the future of property taxes in the state.

The takeaway

The clash over eliminating homeowner property taxes in Georgia highlights the ongoing debate over taxation and public spending, with Republicans arguing the tax is 'unsustainable' and Democrats warning it would 'defund' essential services. The outcome could have significant implications for state and local budgets, as well as the cost of living for Georgia residents.