Georgia Senate passes plan meant to slow increases in property tax bills

Georgia senators want to limit how much assessed home values can rise for tax purposes, in an election-year effort to hold down property taxes.

The state Senate voted 42-7 on Thursday for Senate Bill 349, which would limit increases in a home’s value, as assessed for property tax purposes, to 3% per year. The limit would last as long as owners maintain a homestead exemption, typically as long as they own a home.

Voters would have to approve the plan in a November referendum.