ATLANTA – State Representative Sandra Scott (D-Rex) seeks to update her constituents on House Bill 322, legislation which would prohibit local governments from including outstanding service fees in a resident’s ad valorem tax bill. The House Ways & Means Committee passed the bill on Friday, March 3, 2023, but the legislation was not called for a vote on the House Floor before the “Crossover Day” deadline on Monday, March 6, 2023.
“I know that the House will see this legislation again as it is an important topic to address,” said Rep. Scott. “Neither my constituents nor any Georgians should be losing their homes for nontax related fees like water, wastewater or trash. People should not be afraid of losing their homes over something as small as a trash bill. We must unite together and protect the homeowners of our state and their American Dream.”
Under HB 322, ad valorem tax bills could still include fees or charges related to delinquent ad valorem property tax collections. Any partial payment provided by a taxpayer to the tax commissioner or local fiscal authority would first be applied to the outstanding balance of ad valorem taxes on real property that are due. Furthermore, prohibited charges would include, but not limited to, storm water, service fees, solid waste service fees, fees for water and wastewater, as well as any late fees, penalties or interest related to anything other than ad valorem taxes on the property.
Legislative Day 28, also known as Crossover Day, is the last day for bills to pass out of their chamber of origin and still remain eligible for the current legislative session. HB 322 will remain eligible for consideration in the 2024 legislative session, which will be the second session of the biennial term.
To watch a video recording of Rep. Scott presenting her legislation during this subcommittee hearing, please click here.
For more information on House Bill 322, please click here.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as the Minority Caucus Chief Deputy Whip. She also serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.
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