Bryan County state legislators introducing bill to lock in homestead exemption
BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) – State House Representatives for Bryan County plan to introduce a local bill on Tuesday that would target the Bryan County School Board's decision to opt out of the homestead tax exemption.
If passed and voted in, House Bill 362 would nullify the school board's plan to opt out, a decision many Bryan County residents have hit out against because it could potentially lead to higher taxes that go toward county schools.
'It is 581, but it's a local bill. So, if you opt out, the people will have another bite at the apple,' State Rep. Ron Stephens (GA-164). 'We've gotten a lot of calls from people who are looking for predictability on their property taxes, and this will give it to them.'
H.B. 581 was the original legislation that allowed for the homestead exemption, which is essentially a cap on property taxes.
Bryan County itself and several cities within the county have all decided to opt in.
However, the school board has made it clear they intend to opt out, citing budget concerns for a growing school district.
'All the revenue comes back, plus a cost of living. So, there's no loss of revenue at all,' Stephens said.
According to Rep. Stephens, 66% of taxes in Bryan County go towards the school system.
Stephens, Rep. Jesse Petrea (GA-166), Rep. Lehman Franklin (GA-160) and Sen. Ben Watson (GA-01) are working to push the legislation through the state house and senate within the coming days.
If the measure does pass, Bryan County residents will vote on it in November.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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