On January 1, 2025, Georgia’s House Bill 581 (HB 581) officially went into effect, limiting the amount by which local governments can increase property taxes. Signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, this bill is designed to provide property tax relief for homeowners by capping the annual increase in property values for tax purposes. The law also makes changes to the state’s property and sales tax systems. While it’s it appears to a win for taxpayers according to some, it could have unintended negative consequences for Georgia’s local school systems.