Committee reauthorizes Georgia Conservation Tax Credit through 2031 with caps and streamlining

Representative Cannon presented HB1148 (LC443491s), describing it as a reauthorization and modernization of the Georgia Conservation Tax Credit. The bill would extend the credit through 2031, cap the credit at 50% of fair market value for land donated for a permanent conservation easement, set per-applicant credit caps ($500,000 for individuals and $1,000,000 for partnerships), and establish an aggregate annual credit limit of $30 million.

Cannon said the bill would remove the State Properties Commission from the application flow to streamline processing and assign application management to the Department of Natural Resources, which could consult the Georgia Real Estate Commission for appraisal investigations and disciplinary matters. He framed the bill as a way to protect small parcels through permanent conservation while keeping land under private management.

After brief discussion and a motion, the committee approved the bill by voice vote.

Next steps: The bill will be reported out of committee and proceed through the legislative process.