Bill > HB599

This bill extends a program that allows retired teachers who have earned 30 years of service credits in the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS) to be employed full-time as classroom teachers in areas of highest need, now through June 30, 2030 (previously set to expire in 2026). Under this program, retired teachers can continue to receive their retirement benefits while working full-time, but their new employment will not count as additional creditable service or impact their retirement calculations. Employers must notify the TRS board within 30 days of hiring a retired teacher and pay contributions to the retirement system based on the teacher's compensation. The bill requires the Department of Education to annually determine "areas of highest need" for each Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), which are content areas with the greatest percentages of unfilled teaching positions. Before July 1, 2029, the state auditor will conduct a performance audit to evaluate the program's value, impact on local school systems, the retirement system, and the teacher workforce. This provision allows experienced retired teachers to help address teacher shortages while maintaining their retirement benefits.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70725