House Bill 1211

Chair's Name: Larry O’Neal

Committee: Ways & Means          

House Sponsor: Richard Royal

Chairman O’Neal’s Opinion of this legislation:

HB 1211 is the implementing legislation for HR 1276, which creates a new class of property for ad valorem tax purposes which is forest land conservation property.  This allows businesses or individuals with tracks of at least 200 acres to enter into a 15 year covenant and receive conservation use valuation of their property for tax purposes. This legislation addresses the depletion of forest land in our state due to unfair property taxation of forest land owners.                                              

This Rules Substitute comes to the House Floor under the Structured Rule.

This Legislation:

•        Reduces the Tax Burden on our forest land owners so that they are able to keep forest land in Georgia.

•        Assists us in preserving forest land in our state, which is a valuable resource for clean air and water as well as recreational enjoyment.

Further Action

The House agreed to the Senate Substitute.