HR 1276

There will be three 2008 Constitutional Amendments on the ballot for the November 4th election. The first of these, HR 1276, is designed to give tax credit to owners of forest land over 2000 acres and hold it for 15 years. The loss of revenue to local governments would be reimbursed via state grants.

As Georgia grows and develops, more land will be in demand. This legislation will protect Georgia's forests for wildlife and future generations. However, there is concern that local school districts will lose tax revenue. Although there are provisions by the Georgia General Assembly to provide grants to such districts, it may not be enough to offset the loss in revenue. Also, this Amendment is not a state land purchase for the benefit of all Georgians; the bill is intended to relieve paper companies of property tax burdens.

"Proposed Amendment 1 would allow the state to assess and tax certain privately owned tracts of timberland according to their “current use,” rather than to assess and tax based on a property’s highest-valued use, in order to encourage forest conservation. This “conservation use” is only available to landowners who agree not to develop the land for 15 years. The state has agreed to provide funds for counties whose revenues might decrease significantly as a result. Despite this provision, Amendment 1 could result in a nominal tax cut for certain property owners."(National Taxpayers Union)

2008 Constitutional Amendments for the November 4, 2008 General Election


Amendment in Full

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