Georgia voters pass three new constitutional amendments

Georgia voters approved three constitutional amendments on Tuesday night. The measures will change how farmland is taxed, how probate judges are elected, and how emergency 911 systems are funded.

The first amendment doubles the acreage limit for agricultural tax breaks. Property owners can now qualify for conservation use assessment on up to 4,000 acres. Previously, the maximum was 2,000 acres. This change aims to protect family farms from higher tax bills.

A second amendment makes probate court judge elections nonpartisan. Under the new rule, party affiliations will not appear on ballots for these positions. The measure applies to all probate courts in the state.

The third amendment creates a dedicated fund for 911 services. The General Assembly can now assign specific revenues to this nonlapsing fund. The money will be used exclusively for the expansion, maintenance, and operation of emergency 911 systems.

Cobb County residents cast ballots in this statewide vote. The results reflect a broad support for these structural changes to state government. Local officials will implement the new rules following the election.