Columbia County Legislative Delegation Applauds Advancement of Homeowner’s Tax Relief Legislation

ATLANTA - State Representative Gary Richardson (R-Evans) and State Senator Lee Anderson (R-Grovetown), joined by fellow Columbia County Legislative Delegation members, applaud the Senate passage of House Bill 439, legislation aimed at providing homeowners with property tax relief. HB 439 would authorize any local government, subject to voter approval, to establish a fund to provide direct tax credits to homeowners in the local government's jurisdiction.

"Well managed counties, cities and local governments that benefit from economic development activity, and those that are seeing substantial growth in their tax digest could build a homeowner's tax relief fund should this legislation make it to the governor's desk," said Rep. Richardson.

"Owning and affording a home is a major part of achieving the 'American Dream,'" said Sen. Anderson. "It is an honor to sponsor this legislation in the Senate to allow local governments to provide additional property tax relief for homeowners."

"Delivering homeowner property tax relief has been the primary goal of our House Chamber this year," said State Representative Mark Newton (R-Augusta). "I'm excited to see this policy returned from the Senate to the House for final approval, and delivering this much-needed relief to homeowners throughout our area."

"I was proud to vote for this additional local government tool to drive down the cost of taxes on the homes of families across the state," said State Senator Max Burns (R-Sylvania)

"It is time for local governments to be able to make use of a tool like this to help drive down the costs of owning a home, and I'm pleased to see the continuing progress of this effort," said State Representative Rob Clifton (R-Evans)

"I've been proud to support Rep. Richardson as he has worked tirelessly to create new ways to make home ownership easier for Georgians," said State Representative Rob Leverett (R-Elberton)

HB 439 would authorize the establishment of "local homeowner's incentive adjustment grant program" in counties and cities across Georgia. The legislation is now awaiting an affirmative vote by the Georgia House of Representatives in the remaining days of the 2026 legislative session.

The Columbia County Legislative Delegation consists of Rep. Rob Clifton (R-Evans), Rep. Rob Leverett (R-Elberton), Rep. Mark Newton (R-Augusta), Rep. Gary Richardson (R-Evans), Senator Lee Anderson (R-Grovetown) and Senator Max Burns (R-Sylvania).

The full text of HB 439 may be found here.

Representative Gary Richardson represents the citizens of District 125, which includes portions of Columbia and McDuffie counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Public & Community Health Committee and as Secretary of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. He also serves on the Transportation Committee.

Representative Mark Newton represents the citizens of District 127, which includes portions of Columbia and Richmond counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. He also serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Rules, Small Business Development, Transportation, Ways & Means and Urban Affairs committees.

Representative Rob Clifton represents the citizens of District 131, which includes a portion of Columbia County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Economic Development & Tourism, Interstate Cooperation and Transportation committees.

Representative Rob Leverett represents the citizens of District 123, which includes Elbert, Lincoln and Wilkes counties, as well as portions of Columbia and Madison counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as Chairman of the Reapportionment & Redistricting Committee, Vice Chairman of the Rules Committee and Secretary of the Judiciary Committee. He also serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Governmental Affairs and Judiciary Non-Civil committees.

Sen. Lee Anderson serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the Environment. He represents the 24th Senate District, which includes Elbert, Greene, Hart, Lincoln, Oglethorpe and Wilkes counties, as well as a portion of Columbia County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-5114 or by email at [email protected].

Sen. Max Burns serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education. He represents the 23rd Senate District, which includes Burke, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, McDuffie, Screven, Taliaferro and Warren counties, as well as portions of Columbia and Richmond counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-1376 or by email at [email protected].

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