ATLANTA – House Bill 233 and House Bill 793 were recently signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in Savannah, Georgia. Sponsored by State Representative Rick Townsend (R-Brunswick), HB 233 designates new official state symbols and takes steps to strengthen security with foreign entities across the state, and House Bill 793 provides for a new homestead exemption from the City of Brunswick ad valorem taxes.
“I’m proud to see House Bill 233 signed into law—a meaningful step that both honors Georgia’s rich culinary heritage, while also reinforcing our state’s commitment to safeguarding its security,” said Rep. Townsend. “By officially recognizing staples like Brunswick stew, cornbread and National Sugarcane Syrup Day, we celebrate the traditions that connect our communities and define our southern heritage.”
HB 233 designates Brunswick stew as the official state stew, cornbread as the official state bread and the fourth Friday in November of each year as “National Sugarcane Syrup Day” in Georgia. It also prohibits companies of foreign countries from submitting contract proposals to a state agency.
“I am also excited to announce that HB 793 was signed into law to provide a meaningful and much-needed exemption from ad valorem taxes for hard-working Brunswick taxpayers—the first property tax cut in Brunswick’s history, if approved by voters,” added Rep. Townsend. “I am thankful to my House colleagues for prioritizing legislation to lower taxes for citizens across our great state. I am also grateful to Governor Kemp for his leadership and support in signing these important pieces of legislation into law.”
HB 793 provides for a new homestead exemption from the City of Brunswick’s ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes, which will be based on the assessed value and length of ownership of the homestead. A person will not receive the homestead exemption unless they file an application with the City of Brunswick, and the exemption will automatically renew each year as long as the owner continues to reside there. The homestead exemption will be placed on the ballot for voters to decide in November 2025.
The full text of HB 233 may be found here, and the full text of HB 793 may be found here.
*Editor’s note: a photo from the bill signing is attached.
Representative Rick Townsend represents the citizens of District 179, which includes a portion of Glynn County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as Secretary of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Education and Judiciary, Juvenile committees.
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