Georgia Lawmakers Propose Property Tax Reforms

Bills aim to increase homestead exemptions and change SPLOST rules

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Georgia General Assembly is considering two bills that would make significant changes to the state's property tax system. HB 1116 would gradually increase the homestead exemption and remove homestead property tax as a source of revenue for local governments, while SB 382 would make a statewide base year homestead exemption mandatory for all political subdivisions.

Why it matters

These proposals aim to provide property tax relief for homeowners, especially as home values have been rising rapidly in many parts of the state. However, the changes could also impact local government budgets that rely heavily on property tax revenue, leading to concerns about how they will replace that lost funding.

The details

HB 1116, known as the Homeownership Opportunity and Market Equalization Act of 2026, would gradually increase the homestead exemption from $10,000 in 2026-2028 to $60,000 in 2031 and beyond. It would also extend the length of special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) from 5 years to 10 years, with automatic 10-year renewals. SB 382 would make the statewide base year homestead exemption passed in 2024 mandatory for all local governments, preventing them from opting out.

  • HB 1116 was introduced in the Georgia House in late January 2026.
  • SB 382 passed the Georgia Senate earlier this week.
  • The Save the Homes Act amendment providing for a statewide homestead exemption was passed by voters in November 2024.

The players

Rep. Chas Cannon

A Republican state representative from Moultrie, Georgia who is a co-sponsor of HB 1116.

Sen. Russ Goodman

A Republican state senator from Cogdell, Georgia who is a co-sponsor of HB 1116.

Sen. Sam Watson

A Republican state senator from Moultrie, Georgia who is a co-sponsor of HB 1116 and the author of SB 382.

Sen. Carden Summers

A Republican state senator from Cordele, Georgia who is a co-sponsor of HB 1116.

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What they’re saying

“The way we've done property tax in this state for a long time is a convoluted and complicated process.”

— Rep. Chas Cannon (The Tifton Gazette)

“Local governments should not receive an automatic pay raise simply because home values increase. When you purchase and pay off your home, you should not be subjected to a never-ending rent payment in the form of rising property taxes.”

— Sen. Sam Watson (The Moultrie Observer)

What’s next

HB 1116 is currently in committee, while SB 382 has passed the Senate and is now in the House Ways & Means committee. The bills will need to pass both chambers of the legislature and be signed by the governor to become law.

The takeaway

These proposals represent an effort by state lawmakers to provide property tax relief for homeowners, but the changes could also have significant impacts on local government budgets that rely heavily on property tax revenue. The outcome of these bills will be closely watched by both homeowners and local officials across Georgia.