SB 129 — Property Tax Exemptions: Statewide Homestead Exemption for Disabled Veterans

Senate Bill 129, also known as the "Georgia Supporting Those Who Sacrificed for Service Act," would increase the amount of a statewide homestead exemption for disabled veterans and create a new statewide homestead exemption for partially disabled veterans and first responders. The bill allows for a homstead exemption, from state, county, city, and school ad valorem taxes, in the full amount of the assessed value of the homestead that the veteran owns and resides in as a residence. The bill also creates a statewide homestead exemption for partially disabled veterans in an amount equal to the percentage of such veteran's disability multiplied by the assessed value of the homestead. The exemption for partially disabled veterans applies to state, county, city, and school ad valorem taxes. The exemption would be in addition to any other homestead exemption available to the partially disabled veteran. The partially disabled veteran may be required to substantiate his or her eligibility with the county board of tax assessors once every three years.

The bill also creates a statewide homestead exemption for totally and partially disabled first responders. The bill allows for totally disabled first responders to receive a homestead exemption in the full amount of the assessed value of the homestead that the totally disabled first responder occupies as a homestead. The bill also allows for partially disabled first responders to receive a homestead exemption in an amount equal to 50 percent of the assessed value of the homestead that the partially disabled first responder occupies as a homestead. Both of the exemptions for totally and partially disabled first responders would apply to state, county, city, and school ad valorem taxes. Both exemptions would be in addition to any other homestead exemptions available to the totally and partially disabled first responders. The totally and partially disabled first responders would be required to substantiate their eligibility with the county board of tax assessors once every three years.

The bill would become effective on January 1, 2027 following voter approval in November 2026.