Georgia Lawmakers Focus on Election Changes, Tax Relief During Special Session

Georgia lawmakers returned to the State Capitol last week for a special legislative session called by Governor Brian Kemp to address election law implementation, local homestead tax exemptions, and ratification of a temporary suspension of state motor fuel taxes.

According to State Representative Eddie Lumsden, who represents Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County, legislators opted not to take up congressional and state legislative redistricting during the special session, despite redistricting being included in the governor’s original proclamation.

One of the first measures approved by lawmakers was House Resolution 3EX, which ratifies Governor Kemp’s executive order extending the temporary suspension of Georgia’s motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes. The extension continued tax relief for motorists through the Memorial Day travel period.

Lawmakers are also reviewing Senate Bill 3EX, which would make adjustments to Georgia election laws and address implementation deadlines established under previous legislation. The measure deals with election equipment requirements and the use of human-readable ballot text in vote tabulation.

Another major topic under consideration involves local homestead tax exemptions. Following passage of legislation earlier this year authorizing a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax, lawmakers are considering local bills that would allow communities to place homestead exemption measures before voters during the November 2026 General Election.

The General Assembly resumed work Monday as legislators continue debating the measures included in the governor’s special session agenda.

You can read Representative Lumsden’s complete legislative report below.

Floyd County Tax Commissioner And Assessor Offices Resume Full Operations

The Floyd County Tax Commissioner’s Office has resumed full operations as of Monday, March 30, following last week’s fire at the historic courthouse.

Read more

Sharon Evans Appointed Walker County Tax Commissioner Following Retirement

Sharon Evans has been appointed to serve as the new Walker County Tax Commissioner, following the retirement of longtime commissioner Carolyn Walker, who stepped down last week after more than 25 years of service to focus on her health.

Read more

Mobile Home Taxes Due April 1 In Chattooga County; Late Fees Waived Until April 2

Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is reminding local property owners that mobile home taxes are due April 1st.

However,  the Chattooga County Tax Commissioner’s Office will be closed WEDNESDAY for the installation of a new server. Due to that closure, late fees will be waived until Thursday, April 2nd.

Hampton also reminds residents that homestead exemptions should be filed by April 1st in the Property Assessor’s Office, which is located in the Chattooga County Courthouse Annex across the hall from the tax office.

Unlike the tax office, the Property Assessor’s Office will be open on Wednesday.

Officials note that the Property Assessor’s Office does not accept payments or renew vehicle tags.

Residents with mobile home tax business are encouraged to plan accordingly.

Chattooga County Tax Books Now Open For 2026 Returns

The Chattooga County Tax Assessor’s Office has announced that the tax books are now open for the return of 2026 state and county taxes, with property owners required to make their return on or before April 1, 2026.

Read more

Georgia Senate Finance Committee Advances SB 382 on Homestead Exemption, Sales Tax Referendum Process

Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) is praising the Senate Committee on Finance after it approved Senate Bill 382, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R–Rome). The bill is a Senate Majority Caucus priority for the 2026 Legislative Session.

Read more

Chattooga County Tax Books Open; Property Tax Returns and Exemption Applications Due April 1

Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is reminding residents that the tax books are now open for the return of 2026 State and County taxes, and all required returns must be filed on or before April 1, 2026.

Read more