Legislation to create Fayette County school tax homestead exemption clears Georgia House and Senate

State Rep. Josh Bonner’s recently passed bill to establish a homestead exemption for Fayette County school district property taxes has secured approval from both the House and Senate, the Georgia State House reports.

The measure was approved in both chambers on Thursday, April 2, passing the House with a unanimous 153-0 vote and the Senate with a unanimous 49-0 vote.

Filed as HB1582 on Thursday, March 19 during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the proposal’s official title is: ‘Fayette County; school district ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption.’

Below is our synopsis based on the actual bill text; clarifications have been included as needed.

In summary, HB1582 introduces a homestead exemption from Fayette County school district property taxes for educational purposes, set to begin with tax years on or after Jan. 1, 2027, pending voter approval. The exempted amount will fluctuate yearly, depending on how much the total of school tax collections surpasses what was collected in 2025. Revenue collected above the 2025 level will be used in the following year to lower homestead tax bills. The Fayette school board has the power to select the exemption amount annually, up to the available total in segregated funds. Any remaining funds revert to the school district’s general fund. Once homeowners apply, the exemption is automatically renewed so long as the property continues as their primary residence. This measure does not change state, county or municipal taxes. Implementation follows gubernatorial approval, but Section 1 takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, if voters ratify it in a November 2026 local referendum.

In the House, the legislation received affirmative votes from 61 Democrats and 92 Republicans, facing no opposition.

Similarly, the Senate saw support from 19 Democrats and 30 Republicans, also without any dissenting votes.

The legislation was additionally sponsored by Rep. Debra Bazemore (Democrat-69th), Rep. Derrick Jackson (Democrat-68th), and Rep. Karen Mathiak (Republican-82nd).

Bonner earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Georgia.

Bonner, who is a Republican, started his tenure in the Georgia State House in 2023 representing the state’s 73rd House District, taking the seat formerly held by Matt Ramsey.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law on Tuesday, May 12.

Georgia’s legislative process starts when a lawmaker, often prompted by a constituent, works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. After submission to the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill is read for the first time and referred to a committee for detailed review and debate. If it advances, it reaches the floor for a third reading, debate, and a final vote. Both chambers must pass the bill, and differing versions may be resolved in conference committee before the governor acts. The governor has six days during the session — or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die) — to sign, veto, or allow the legislation to become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly convenes annually for 40 days beginning the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was sourced from the Georgia State House. The underlying data is available here.