Here’s how state legislation impacted DeKalb’s cities this year

Property taxes, mayoral term limits and a restructured ethics board.

While this year’s 40-day state legislative session made headlines for some major new laws and fiery debates, it also saw the passage of some notable local bills that only affect DeKalb County and its cities. A few of the bills will result in referendums on the ballot this November.

The bills that passed already had the support of the cities they affect, but had to go through the state Legislature since they could alter the cities’ charters.

Here is the breakdown of the bills that passed and affect DeKalb’s residents:

• Senate Bill 7: Perhaps the most divisive DeKalb-specific bill restructured the county's ethics board. The bill was essential to getting the board back in operation after the Georgia Supreme Court ruled most of the members had to be appointed by public officials, not private entities. But the legislation goes further than just fixing the appointment process; it no longer requires the board to hire an ethics officer, and suggests county employees go through human resources before filing an ethics complaint, a move critics say could keep people from coming forward.

• House Bill 645 and 647: These laws puts referendums on the ballot allowing Brookhaven residents to vote on an increased homestead exemption on their property taxes. If the ballot question passes, the exemptions for Brookhaven homeowners would double over five years, from $20,000 to $40,000. The exemption for seniors and people with disabilities, covered under the second bill, would increase nearly sixfold, from $34,000 to $200,000.

• HB 272 and 273: These apply to Chamblee, and are similar to the homestead exemption bills for Brookhaven. It lets residents vote on ballot questions that, if passed, would raise the exemption from $30,000 to $50,000. The second bill would give a 100 percent city tax exemption to Chamblee homeowners who are disabled or older than 64.
• HB 563: Under this new law, Stonecrest is allowed to impose an excise tax up to 8 percent on hotels and motels in the city. Stonecrest can use some of the funds to promote tourism, conventions and trade shows.
• SB 230: Creates the Tucker Public Facilities Authority to provide and oversee public buildings and services.