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Read. Follow. Verify.Georgia House Bill 78EX proposes Tift County homestead tax exemption funded by new sales tax
Last action · June 23, 2026: House Lost Reconsidered Bill/ResolutionSponsors: Jaclyn Ford and 1 other
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What This Bill Would Do
House Bill 78EX establishes a homestead exemption from City of Tifton , funded by the proceeds of a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax () within Tift County. The measure requires approval by local voters in a referendum scheduled for November 2026 before taking effect on January 1, 2027.
Property owners in the City of Tifton could see their municipal property tax liability offset by sales tax revenue, contingent upon passing a local referendum.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
City of Tifton homeowners
Homeowners may receive a homestead exemption from municipal ad valorem taxes funded by sales tax proceeds, contingent upon voter approval.
City of Tifton governing authority
The city governing authority is subject to the ad valorem tax exemption and must bear the expense of conducting the referendum election.
Key Facts
- The bill grants a homestead exemption from City of Tifton ad valorem taxes equal to the assessed value determined annually from a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST).
- The exemption applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2027, and ending December 31, 2039.
- The measure requires a referendum submitted to City of Tifton electors residing within the special district on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November, 2026.
- If approved by more than half of the votes cast, Section 1 takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Show all 7 facts
- If the act is not approved or the election is not conducted, the act is automatically repealed on the 365th calendar day following the election date.
- Homeowners who previously received a homestead exemption for the city for the preceding tax year and remain eligible do not need to file a new application.
- Enactment under the Constitution of the State of Georgia requires a two-thirds' majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does House Bill 78EX do?
When will voters decide on this measure?
Do homeowners need to reapply every year to get the exemption?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
8 actions- Jun 23, 2026HouseCommitteeHouse Committee Favorably Reported
- Jun 23, 2026HouseHouse Third Readers
- Jun 23, 2026HouseHouse Third Reading Lost
- Jun 23, 2026HouseHouse Reconsidered
- Jun 23, 2026HouseHouse Lost Reconsidered Bill/Resolution
- Jun 22, 2026HouseHouse Second Readers
Show 2 earlier actions
- Jun 20, 2026HouseIntroducedHouse First Readers
- Jun 18, 2026HouseIntroducedHouse Hopper
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
www.legis.ga.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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