2018 Housing Legislation Wrap Up Report

Housing Georgia is pleased to present our 2018 Housing Legislation Wrap Up Report outlining the final status of housing related legislation and other key bills we tracked during this year’s legislative session. Thanks to everyone who attended and supported Housing Day at the Capitol and to those who responded to our calls to action on specific legislation. Your advocacy and engagement matters. A PDF version of this report is available for download here.

The 2018 Georgia General Assembly session concluded its 40-day session on March 29, 2018. The Governor has 40 days to sign or veto legislation – until May 6, 2018. If he takes no action, the bill becomes law without his signature. Track the bills the Governor signs and vetoes here.

Big picture outcomes from the session include several important changes that affect housing in the areas of taxation and transportation. A number of efforts to advance affordable housing moved forward but failed to pass in the end. However, efforts that would have hampered affordable housing opportunities were also defeated. The General Assembly adopted major changes to the state tax laws (HB 918) in the wake of federal tax reform, reflected in the FY 2019 Budget (HB 684). The Budget received a late boost from Governor Deal in allocating an additional $167 Million for K-12 education to close the shortfall in education funding that has persisted for more than 16 years. The Legislature also passed an important expansion for transit funding for the metro Atlanta region (HB 930). Numerous bills passed addressing local property tax issues.

Download a PDF copy of the report here: Housing Georgia 2018 Housing Legislation Wrap Up Report