Failed bill would link Laurens County tax relief to sales tax

The proposal would exempt part of eligible homestead property from Laurens County property taxes, with the amount set each year using local sales tax proceeds. It would cover eligible residents' homestead property in the Laurens County special district and county taxes for all purposes. It would not affect taxes imposed by other governments. The exemption would take effect only if two-thirds of each chamber supports the bill and more than half of county voters voting on it approve it. A homeowner would generally need to apply, but would not need to apply if they received a county homestead exemption for the same property in the prior tax year and remain eligible. The exemption would add to other homestead exemptions. Property value above the exempt amount would remain taxable. The exemption would apply to tax years beginning January 1 of the year after voter approval and end December 31, 2039. The local sales tax would run from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2037.