HB 1532: Dalton Independent School System; remove the increased millage rate limitation

The Dalton Independent School System is governed by a 2011 state law that set limits on the millage rate, the rate used to calculate property taxes that fund the school system. This bill removes the mill limitation that had been in effect since December 31, 2012, and replaces it with a new cap of 9.5 mills. The change would not take effect automatically. The bill requires the City of Dalton's municipal election superintendent to hold a referendum on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026, asking voters whether to approve the new lower millage cap. If a majority vote yes, the change becomes effective January 1, 2027. If voters reject it or the election is not held as required, the bill is automatically repealed 365 days after the election date. The bill also allows any Dalton elector to seek a court order forcing the election superintendent to hold the vote if he or she fails to do so.

• Removes the millage rate limitation that has applied to the Dalton Independent School System since December 31, 2012.
• Sets a new maximum millage rate of 9.5 mills for property taxes supporting the Dalton Independent School System.
• Requires a referendum in the City of Dalton in November 2026 asking voters to approve or reject the new millage cap.
• Makes the millage change effective January 1, 2027 only if a majority of voters approve it in the referendum.
• Automatically repeals the Act 365 days after the election if voters reject it or if the election is not held as required.
• Allows any elector of the City of Dalton to seek a court order (a writ of mandamus) forcing the election superintendent to hold the required election.

Property owners and taxpayers within the Dalton Independent School System's tax base, voters in the City of Dalton who will decide the referendum, the Dalton Independent School System itself, and the City of Dalton's municipal election superintendent, who is required to organize the vote.

If voters approve the change, the school system's property tax rate would be capped at 9.5 mills starting in 2027, directly affecting how much property tax revenue the district can collect. If voters reject it or the election does not happen, the current limitation stays in place and this Act disappears from law.

• Section 1 revises the 2011 Act creating the Dalton Independent School System, removing the prior mill limitation and setting a new maximum of 9.5 mills.
• Section 2 requires a referendum on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026, with the ballot language asking whether to lower the millage rate cap.
• Section 2 sets the effective date of the millage change as January 1, 2027 if approved, and provides for automatic repeal 365 days after the election if not approved or if the election is not held.
• Section 2 gives Dalton electors the right to seek a court order compelling the election superintendent to conduct the election if required.
• Section 3 makes the rest of the Act effective upon the Governor's signature or becoming law without signature.
• Section 4 repeals conflicting laws.

1. 2026-03-23Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2026-03-20House Passed/Adopted (House)
3. 2026-03-20House Third Readers (House)
4. 2026-03-20House Committee Favorably Reported (House)
5. 2026-03-12House Second Readers (House)
6. 2026-03-10House First Readers (House)
7. 2026-03-09House Hopper (House)

• Kasey Carpenter (R, HD-4)Primary sponsor
• Steve Tarvin (R, HD-2)

1. PassedHouse voteMarch 20, 2026

   153 yea, 0 nay (14 not voting, 9 excused)

   Local Calendar: House Vote #734

• property taxes
• school funding
• Dalton Independent School System
• local referendum
• millage rate