State Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome)

Several government entities in Georgia are choosing to opt out of House Bill 581, a legislation designed to freeze property assessments at the rate of inflation. The Trion City School Board, Chattooga County School Board, and Floyd County School Board are among those contemplating this decision. Meanwhile, the Walker County Board of Education has declared that it will not be opting out of the bill, which was approved by 63% of Georgia voters in November.

State Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, is weighing in on the issue, stating that he and other lawmakers are considering legislation that would eliminate the “opt-out” option altogether. Instead of a statewide mandate, Hufstetler mentioned a trend among lawmakers to propose specific bills targeting counties where entities are deciding to opt out. These new bills would be introduced in the Senate’s State and Local Government Operations Committee.

Local governments have until March 1 to file their intent to opt out with the secretary of state, but they must first hold three public hearings, including one in the evening on a business day, with the proceedings publicized through local media.

As of now, both the Chattooga County Board of Education and the Trion Board of Education have conducted their initial hearing regarding the opt-out process.