ATLANTA – House Bill 266, a sweeping tax relief measure for Georgia’s military retirees, has officially passed both chambers of the General Assembly with overwhelming support. Carried by State Representative Steven Sainz (R–St. Marys), and worked on by several key legislators in the Georgia General Assembly, this legislation marks a significant step forward in Georgia’s efforts to become the most military-friendly state in the country, ensuring that veterans and their families are not only honored with words, but supported with meaningful action.
“This is a proud day for Georgia’s military community and for every citizen who values service and sacrifice,” said Rep. Sainz. “House Bill 266 will make a direct, lasting impact on the lives of those who served. From coastal bases like Kings Bay where we want service members to stay and work after their tour of duty, to military families throughout Georgia, this bill puts money back in their pockets and opens the door for more veterans to call our state home.”
The legislation raises the income tax exemption for military retirees to $65,000, with the benefit applying individually to each qualifying spouse in a joint return. This relief is eligible for all taxpayers under 65, given that after such age Georgia exempts all citizens from income taxes for all income earned under $65,000 The bill also strengthens public safety through expanded tax credits for donations to law enforcement foundations. Both measures are scheduled to take effect beginning in the 2027 tax year.
“This bill ensures that Georgia is not just friendly to veterans, but acts in response to the issues important to them,” said State Representative Josh Bonner (R–Fayetteville), Chairman of the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee. “We’re making Georgia a destination for military families, not just during their service, but for life.”
State Representative Bethany Ballard (R–Warner Robins), who helped create the framework for the tax relief, praised the measure’s impact. “Military families shoulder enormous burdens. House Bill 266 recognizes that the state of Georgia already exempts almost all retirement income based on a citizen turning 65. The reality is that most of our military members retire up to decades earlier, which creates a gap in retirement income. I am glad I could work with my colleagues to rectify this and provide relief to our dedicated service members and their patriotic families. “
State Representative Shaw Blackmon (R–Bonaire), Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, where the bill came out of noted. “With this action our General Assembly has stayed consistent to our commitment of honoring our nations heroes in our state and appropriately honors their service to our country.”
Rep. Sainz also expressed gratitude to State Senator Greg Dolezal (R–Cumming) for his leadership in advancing the bill through the Senate, and leading on this policy throughout his tenure. “Senator Dolezal’s leadership and partnership on this effort was instrumental,” added Rep. Sainz. “He recognized the value of the legislation through original sponsoring the underlying framework used here, and then made sure we delivered for Georgians through getting this bill through the Senate, and now to the governor’s desk.”
Rep. Sainz also offered heartfelt thanks to retired Vice Admiral Albert “Big Al the Sailors Pal” Konetzni, U.S. Navy (Ret.), whose leadership and lifelong advocacy for sailors inspired many of the principles behind the legislation. “Vice Admiral Konetzni is a true legend,” continued Rep. Sainz. “‘Big Al, the Sailor’s Pal’ has always stood for getting the job done and taking care of our people. His leadership and mentorship helped guide this initiative, and I’m proud to carry forward the values of service and patriotism he personifies.”
Another veteran advocate pivotal to the bills success also calls House District 180 home; Chief Hospital Corpsman Retired Patsey Schrieber was pivotal in mobilizing Georgia veterans to support this legislation as it made it through the process. Through Schrieber’s leadership position on the VFW as the State Sr Vice Commander she utilized the organization’s legislative outreach tool to let members know about the benefits of the policy and requested the reach out to their respective legislators.
With HB 266 now on its way to the governor’s desk, Georgia continues to position itself as a national leader in military policy—committed to defending those who have defended us. Rep. Sainz and his colleagues look forward to building on this momentum in future legislative sessions.
For more information about House Bill 266 or Rep. Sainz’s legislative initiatives, visit www.legis.ga.gov or contact his office directly.
The full text of HB 266 may be found here.
Representative Steven Sainz represents the citizens of District 180, which includes Camden County, as well as a portion of Glynn County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as Chairman of the Interstate Cooperation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Public Safety and Homeland Security and State Properties committees.
Representative Josh Bonner represents the citizens of District 73, which includes portions of Coweta and Fayette counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Chairman of the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development, Creative Arts & Entertainment, Economic Development & Tourism, Human Relations & Aging, Industry and Labor and Interstate Cooperation committees.
Representative Shaw Blackmon represents the citizens of District 146, which includes a portion of Houston County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2015 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee. He also serves on the Governmental Affairs, Insurance, Rules, Rural Development and Technology and Infrastructure Innovation committees, as well as the Special Committee on Resource Management. Additionally, he serves as an Ex-Officio member of the Appropriations and MARTOC committees.
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