Remembering Apalachee + Property Tax Relief

On September 4th, we observed the first anniversary of the shooting at Apalachee High School, where four Georgians were tragically lost in a senseless act of violence. We hold their memory close and continue to lift up their families, loved ones, and the entire Barrow County community in our prayers.

We know that we can never erase the pain and loss our state experienced that day, but the House remains steadfast in our resolve to ensure a tragedy of that nature never happens in Georgia again. The passage of House Bill 268, Georgia’s comprehensive school safety and student mental health legislation, was just the beginning. We will continue to strengthen school safety, invest in mental health, and protect the future of our greatest blessings—our children.

Property Tax Relief for Georgians

Earlier this week, I was joined by over 150 lawmakers and advocates on the Georgia coast to preview next year’s legislative session.

The House has consistently delivered results on the issues that matter most to the citizens of our state, including historic tax relief for hardworking Georgians and their families. In the last few years alone, the House has returned billions of dollars to Georgia taxpayers in the form of one-time tax rebates, as well as unprecedented cuts to our state income tax rate.

We will continue to support measures that keep more money where it belongs—in the pockets of the citizens who earned it. That includes delivering relief to homeowners and landowners who are experiencing skyrocketing property tax rates. Last year, we passed House Bill 581, which established an optional statewide homestead exemption that limits annual assessment increases on primary residences to the rate of inflation.

Voters overwhelmingly supported this measure on last November’s ballot, but 316 local government entities in the state have decided to opt out of the new homestead exemption. The House remains committed to strengthening local accountability and transparency in the tax assessment process for Georgia’s private property owners.

Polling shows that Georgians overwhelmingly support property tax relief

Discussing previous legislative accomplishments and looking forward to 2026 with Dayle, Governor Brian Kemp, and First Lady Marty Kemp

As legislators, we rely on input from the citizens we serve as we prepare to address the issues that are crucial to the success of our communities and the great state of Georgia. I look forward to hearing from each of you before the General Assembly reconvenes in January.

My best,
Speaker Jon Burns