The Georgia General Assembly has given final approval to tax breaks worth $4.5 million for the Georgia Aquarium’s expansion and $960,000 for an auto history museum in Cartersville.

The Senate voted 45-9 to approve House Bill 793 on Monday, sending it to Gov. Nathan Deal for his signature.

The sales tax discount would subsidize the $100 million cost of a new shark gallery, redesigned main entrance and other attractions at the Georgia Aquarium.

The tax incentive would also help fund construction of a $35 million automobile history museum in Cartersville, which is already the site of the Tellus Science Museum and the Booth Western Art Museum.

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Ja'Quon Stembridge — pictured speaking at the monthly Henry County Republican Party meeting in July — was elected over the summer as the assistant secretary of the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC 2025)

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