Senator Billy Hickman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth, announced on May 7 that Governor Brian P. Kemp has signed Senate Bill 150 into law.
The new law extends a program allowing certain retired teachers with at least 30 years of service to return to full-time classroom teaching while continuing to receive their retirement benefits through 2030. The measure also gives local school systems more flexibility in identifying high-need subject areas and protects already hired retired teachers from losing their positions if those needs change.
Hickman, who authored the legislation, said, “Across our state, school systems are working hard to recruit and retain quality educators, especially in high-need classrooms. SB 150 is a necessary and welcome step toward addressing teacher shortages by allowing experienced retired teachers to return to the classroom while maintaining the financial security they earned through years of service. This law gives proven educators another opportunity to serve students in the communities and subject areas where they are needed most. I appreciate Gov. Kemp for signing this measure into law, and I’m grateful to the many education leaders and advocates who helped move this important legislation forward. When we support good teachers, we support better outcomes for students, and that is what this bill is all about.”
The full version of SB 150 can be found online for those seeking further details about its provisions.
Hickman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth and represents Georgia’s Fourth Senate District including Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans counties as well as part of Chatham County.
