Variable homestead exemption for Fayetteville property taxes advances with unanimous support in Georgia legislature

A bill authored by state Rep. Josh Bonner has been approved by both the House and Senate, aiming to establish a homestead exemption from City of Fayetteville ad valorem taxes that adjusts yearly, depending on the city’s total annual property tax collections, the Georgia State House reported.

The bill passed both chambers on Thursday, April 2, with a 153-0 vote in the House and a 49-0 vote in the Senate.

Filed as HB1581 on Thursday, March 19, during the 2026 session of the 158th General Assembly, the bill’s formal title is: ’Fayetteville, City of; ad valorem tax for municipal purposes; provide homestead exemption.’

Below is an analysis based on the actual bill text and may clarify key aspects of the legislation.

The bill establishes a new homestead exemption for municipal ad valorem taxes in Fayetteville beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The exemption amount will vary annually, calculated based on how much total city property tax collections surpass those of the 2025 base year. If the collections in any year are more than double (exceeding 100% of 2025 levels), the surplus is reserved to fund the following year’s equal-per-homestead exemption, up to the available funds set aside by the city. If the collection threshold is not met, there will be no exemption that year. Eligible homeowners apply once; the exemption automatically renews as long as the property remains a homestead. This exemption does not apply to state, county, or school taxes and supplements any other city homestead exemptions. It will only take effect with two-thirds legislative approval and majority support from voters in the November 2026 city referendum.

In the House, 61 Democrats and 92 Republicans voted to pass the bill, with zero votes against.

Similarly, 19 Democrats and 30 Republicans supported the measure in the Senate, with no opposition recorded.

Rep. Debra Bazemore (Democrat-69th), Rep. Derrick Jackson (Democrat-68th), and Rep. Karen Mathiak (Republican-82nd) co-sponsored the bill.

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

Elected in 2023, Bonner, a Republican, represents Georgia’s 73rd House District, succeeding former Rep. Matt Ramsey.

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

According to Georgia’s legislative process, drafting legislation often starts with constituent requests and involves the Office of Legislative Counsel. After filing, the bill is read, sent to committee for review and debate, and, if approved, advances for further readings and votes in both chambers. Bills may go through a conference committee if there are differences before being sent to the governor, who has a limited period to sign, veto, or allow the bill to take effect without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly convenes for 40 days each year, beginning the second Monday of January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State House. The source data can be found here.