Kemp Expands Special Session Agenda to Include Property Taxes, Appointments
Governor Brian Kemp expanded Georgia’s June 17 special session to include property tax relief measures and appointment confirmations beyond the original redistricting focus.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Governor Brian Kemp expanded the scope of Georgia’s upcoming special legislative session Wednesday, adding property tax measures and gubernatorial appointments to an agenda originally focused on redistricting and election security.
Kemp issued an amended proclamation adding three new items for lawmakers to address when the special session begins June 17. The session was initially called to redraw the state’s political map and address election ballot QR codes.
The expanded agenda includes confirmation of appointments Kemp made since the Legislature adjourned in early April and formal approval of the gas tax suspension that ended June 2. The governor issued the gas tax suspension through an emergency order earlier this year.
Property Tax Relief Measures
The amended proclamation also opens the door for certain local property tax referendums to appear on the November ballot. This stems from Senate Bill 33, which created the Local Homestead Option Sales Tax designed to provide property tax relief specifically for primary homes.
The legislation shifts tax revenue from the existing Floating Local Option Sales Tax, which provides general property tax relief not limited to primary residences. By implementing the Local Homestead Option Sales Tax in place of the Floating Local Option Sales Tax, municipalities could avoid increasing overall sales tax rates paid by consumers.
Carter Chapman, a spokesperson for Kemp, said the new addition allows municipalities to move forward with the property tax relief measures.
Special Session Timeline
The special legislative session is scheduled to convene June 17, giving lawmakers time to address both the original items and the newly added agenda items. The original focus on redistricting comes as the state works to redraw political boundaries, while the election ballot QR code provisions address ongoing election security concerns.
The gas tax suspension that lawmakers will be asked to formally approve had been in effect through Kemp’s emergency powers but required legislative ratification. The suspension provided temporary relief at the pump for Georgia drivers before expiring earlier this week.
Legislative Appointments
Among the gubernatorial appointments requiring legislative confirmation are positions Kemp filled during the months since lawmakers last met in regular session. The state constitution requires legislative approval for many executive appointments to boards, commissions, and other state positions.
The expanded agenda reflects the practical needs of state government operations, addressing both immediate concerns like appointment confirmations and longer-term policy issues including property tax relief mechanisms. The special session represents an opportunity for lawmakers to tackle multiple priorities in a compressed timeframe before the November election cycle intensifies.
