ATLANTA – State Representative Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), chairman of the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee, today announces that House Bill 1209 was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp. Sponsored by Rep. Stephens, HB 1209 establishes a limited sales and use tax exemption for construction materials used in certain developments near various state-owned convention facilities.
“I am grateful to Governor Kemp for signing this legislation into law, as it represents a necessary, strategic investment in Georgia’s continued economic and tourism growth,” said Rep. Stephens. “By providing a limited sales and use tax exemption for construction materials in key development areas near state-owned convention facilities, we are helping to support projects that can strengthen local economies and further position Georgia as a premier destination for conventions and events.”
HB 1209 applies to certain developments meeting specific criteria, including those located on any wharf lot; improvements situated between 1,500 and 5,000 feet of a state-owned convention or meeting facility with 150,000 to 750,000 square feet of meeting space; and projects located on an island in a river that serves as the state’s boundary. The exemption will be in effect from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2033, or until the total amount of sales and use tax refunds reaches $7 million, whichever occurs first.
The full text of HB 1209 may be found here.
Representative Ron Stephens represents the citizens of District 164, which includes portions of Bryan and Chatham counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1997 and currently serves as Chairman of the Economic Development & Tourism Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Appropriations Subcommittee on Health, Creative Arts & Entertainment, Rules, Urban Affairs and Ways & Means committees, as well as the Special Committee on Resource Management.
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