Georgia special session agenda expanded to include tax relief referendums

The state legislature is set to meet on June 17 for a special session, and Gov. Brian Kemp recently modified the agenda.

His amended proclamation includes language that will allow lawmakers to consider adding local referendums on the November ballot to create homestead tax exemptions.

Kemp signed Senate Bill 33 in May, which enacted broad property tax reform by establishing a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax to provide homeowner tax relief.

“When Georgians across the state made clear that affordability was the number one issue they faced, Republican leadership delivered real, meaningful relief that allows hardworking taxpayers to keep more of their money where it belongs – in their pockets,” state House Speaker Jon Burns said in a news release. “From another historic income tax rebate and rate reduction to property tax relief and lower costs at the pump, the Georgia House was proud to champion measures delivering results when and where they were needed most.”

However, residents need a majority vote to pass an exemption, which would be in addition to other homestead tax exemptions.

The June 17 special session was originally called to implement redistricting for the 2028 elections and resolve a looming election deadline. A 2024 law requires the elimination of QR codes on Georgia ballots by July 1, 2026. However, the legislative session closed this year without any guidance as to how election officials should comply with the law.

Now, lawmakers will reconvene to address these issues as well as property tax reform.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Upcoming Georgia Special Legislative Session now includes property taxes. #gapol

Governor Brian Kemp’s amended proclamation includes language that could allow certain local property tax referendums to be added to the November ballot.

Learn more about SB 33… pic.twitter.com/HsabaLAAGu

— Rahul Bali (@rahulbali) June 3, 2026