The Georgia Senate has adopted a bill to double the statewide homestead exemption. 

Lawmakers voted 40 to 14 on Friday to hike the exemption from $2,000 to $4,000. The exemption is the amount of the home’s value not subject to property taxes. Republican backers say it will cut tax bills for those who live in their homes. Some Democrats say it will force local governments to increase taxes to make up the difference.  

The House still must pass the measure. It would need voter approval during municipal elections in September.  
The Senate also is set to take up a measure that funds a property tax break worth about $200 to $300 per household this year. But it ties future grants to the economy, which means they could be history.  

GNN