New bill would end tax exemption for Atlanta airport A legislative battle is unfolding over a proposed bill that would eliminate the tax-exempt status of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Lawmakers from Fulton and Clayton Counties are divided over the measure, which aims to end the airport’s decades-long exemption from property taxes. The debate centers on whether the airport’s tax-free status has unfairly benefited its partners while depriving local governments of revenue. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Rep. Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale) and Rep. Sandra Scott (D-Rex), both representing Clayton County, seeks to end the airport’s tax exemption. While the majority of the airport’s land lies within Clayton County, the city of Atlanta has not paid county property taxes for approximately 80 years. Burnough argues that the change could generate an estimated $50 million annually for Clayton County and nearby cities, funds she claims are long overdue. “It’s about the residents of Clayton County getting what they deserve so that we can have money for sustainability,” Burnough said. “That’s the keyword, sustainability. We have that money. We will be able to sustain our county.” Opposition to the bill comes from members of the Atlanta delegation in the House and Senate. Critics warn that removing the tax exemption could have negative consequences for the state’s economy. Sen. Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta) emphasized that no other major U.S. airport pays property taxes, and altering the economic structure of such a large facility could lead to unforeseen repercussions. “When you change the economic cost structure of an airport this size, there are downstream consequences,” Halpern said. The bill is expected to face a vote in the House this week.#hartsfieldjackson_atlanta_international_airport #rep_rhonda_burnough #rep_sandra_scott #sen_sonya_halpern #clayton_county
