Ratification Vote on Proposed

Amendments to Georgia's Constitution

and Statewide Referenda

Nov. 8, 1998 General Election

Amendment No. 1

"Shall the Constitution be amended so as to require the General Assembly to provide by law for the creation of a Land, Water, Wildlife, and Recreation Heritage Fund, with moneys derived from an increase in the real estate transfer tax from $1.00 to $2.00 per $1,000.00, from which funds shall be disbursed for the purposes of local government recreation grants and for acquiring, conserving, managing, or preserving Georgia's natural and historic areas, water resources, and wildlife habitats? The tax increase will take effect only if this constitutional amendment is approved by the voters."

Amendment No. 2

"Shall the Constitution be amended so as to limit the educational purposes and programs for which lottery proceeds may be appropriated and expended and to specify that scholarships, pre-kindergarten programs, and shortfall reserves shall receive priority over teacher technology training and capital outlay projects for educational facilities?"

Amendment No. 3

"Shall the Constitution be amended so as to provide for additional penalties for offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and provide for their allocation to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund for care and rehabilitation purposes?"

Amendment No. 4

"Shall the Constitution be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for a roadside enhancement and beautification fund from which funds shall be disbursed for enhancement and beautification of public rights of way; for allocation and dedication of revenue from tree and other vegetation trimming or removal permit fees, other related assessments, and special and distinctive wildflower motor vehicle license plate fees to such fund; that moneys paid into the fund shall not lapse; and that an Act creating the fund and making such provisions may originate in the Senate or the House of Representatives?"

Amendment No. 5

"Shall the Constitution be amended so as to provide for a Georgia Citizens Commission on Compensation of Public Officials and to remove from the General Assembly the authority to fix the compensation of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the members and officers of the General Assembly, the members of the Public Service Commission, the members of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, the constitutional officers elected state wide, the superior court judges, and the district attorneys and to place such authority in the commission, with the action of the commission subject to rejection by both houses of the General Assembly?"

Referendum A -- To exempt from ad valorem taxation of Georgia livestock; crops; fruit or nut bearing trees, bushes, or plants; annual and perennial plants; Christmas trees; and plants and trees grown in nurseries for transplantation elsewhere so long as such items remain in the hands of a family owned qualified farm products producer.

Referendum B -- To authorizes certain individuals who are absent from their residence due to health reasons to continue to receive homestead exemptions.

Referendum C -- To exempt from ad valorem taxation all property owned and operated by a church, when such entity qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code.

Referendum D -- To broaden the ad valorem tax exemption for motor vehicles owned (or leased) by disabled veterans.

Referendum E -- To exempt from ad valorem taxes motor vehicles owned by former prisoners of war.

Source: Georgia Secretary of State Official Election Results for November 3, 1998 General Election

(c) Carl Vinson Institute of Government

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