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GeorgiaSB 1502025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Retirement; permit public school systems to employ certain beneficiaries of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia as classroom teachers; extend the program

Sponsored By: Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Steve Gooch (Republican), Billy Hickman (Republican), John F. Kennedy (Republican), Kay Kirkpatrick (Republican), Chuck Payne (Republican), Shawn Still (Republican)

Signed by Governor

RetirementGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

More teaching options for retired teachers

Beginning July 1, 2026, qualifying Georgia teacher-pension recipients can return to full-time certified pre-K–12 teaching in listed subjects. They need at least 30 years of credited service as full-time certified pre-K–12 teachers. They must also spend at least one year after retirement without returning to teacher service. Their main duties must be instruction and student support in math, special education, science, career/technology/agriculture education, reading, writing, or English language arts. Reading, writing, and English language arts teachers need a current state-approved reading or dyslexia endorsement. This expanded path lasts through June 30, 2030, subject to the act's required retirement-system funding.

Local shortages guide retired teacher hiring

Qualifying retirees with at least 30 years of credited service can also teach full time in their school system's highest-need areas. Beginning July 1, 2026, these are each system's three subjects with the highest percentages of unfilled classroom jobs. This replaces regional shortage measures, making some subjects eligible and others ineligible depending on local needs. The Department of Education uses a five-year average of local surveys and consults the Professional Standards Commission. Annual reports to the retirement system cover July 1, 2022, through July 1, 2029. Through June 30, 2030, changing shortage areas cannot force a previously hired program teacher's termination, resignation, or contract nonrenewal. These changes and job protections are subject to the act's required retirement-system funding.

Longer teacher rehiring brings school costs

The law extends Georgia's retired-teacher hiring program, which began July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2030. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, only with required funding under Georgia's retirement-systems law. Without that funding, the act is automatically repealed on July 1, 2026. Qualifying retirees keep their pensions and eligible retirement adjustments while earning pay, but gain no new pension credit or benefit increase. Retirees must tell prospective employers about their pension status before accepting a job. Schools must notify the retirement system within 30 days of hiring, with employment and pay details. Schools pay the combined employer and employee contribution rates multiplied by the retiree's qualifying pay into the retirement system. These payments do not go into the retiree's account or create added pension rights. Unpaid contributions can be collected from state money owed to the employer, including education and Board of Regents payments. Before July 1, 2029, the State Auditor must publish an audit of the program's value, need, and effects on schools, pensions, and teachers. The program's rules are not automatically part of employment contracts and remain subject to future legislative changes.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Jason Anavitarte

    Republican • Senate

  • Steve Gooch

    Republican • Senate

  • Billy Hickman

    Republican • Senate

  • John F. Kennedy

    Republican • Senate

  • Kay Kirkpatrick

    Republican • Senate

  • Chuck Payne

    Republican • Senate

  • Shawn Still

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bethany Ballard

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 256 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 49 • No: 0 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/27/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 159 • No: 0 • Other: 11

Senate vote • 2/9/2026

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 48 • No: 1 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    5/5/2026Senate

  3. Act 399

    5/5/2026

  4. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub

    3/31/2026Senate

  6. House Third Readers

    3/27/2026House

  7. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/27/2026House

  8. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/25/2026House

  9. House Second Readers

    2/11/2026House

  10. House First Readers

    2/10/2026House

  11. Senate Third Read

    2/9/2026Senate

  12. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    2/9/2026Senate

  13. Senate Read Second Time

    2/5/2026Senate

  14. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    2/4/2026Senate

  15. Senate Read and Referred

    2/13/2025Senate

  16. Senate Hopper

    2/12/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 150/AP* (v13)

    PDF

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