Kemp adds sales tax legislation to busy special session

(The Center Square) – Some Georgia cities and counties could vote on an additional 1-cent sales tax in November, thanks to an addition to the agenda for the June 17 General Assembly’s special session.

Gov. Brian Kemp added Senate Bill 33 to the special session’s agenda, which allows cities and counties to implement a special one-penny sales tax to offset property taxes. But the additional sales tax requires voter approval.

With Kemp’s addition to the special session proclamation, lawmakers could introduce legislation to allow the cities and counties they represent to get a referendum on the November ballot, according to a Kemp spokesman.

House Speaker Jon Burns said at the beginning of the legislative session that ending homestead property taxes was his priority. The state does not levy a property tax. Only cities, counties and local school boards do. The bill does not allow school boards to implement the sales tax.

Kemp will also ask the General Assembly to officially approve an additional two...