House extends teacher recruitment and conservation tax credits for five years

The Georgia House on the morning calendar passed Senate Bill 515, a bipartisan package that reauthorizes two expiring tax-credit programs for an additional five years.

Representative Chaz Cannon, who presented the measure, described the bill as "a combination of two, very bipartisan bills." He said the bill reauthorizes the Georgia recruitment and retention tax credit and increases the number of teachers eligible for the credit from 1,000 to 1,200, prioritizing turnaround schools and the lowest-performing 25 percent. The second section reauthorizes the Georgia conservation tax credit; Cannon noted earlier changes to the statutory cap but said the bill largely continues existing policy.

Members asked clarifying questions about mechanics and limits. One representative asked what happens when the 1,200 cap is reached; Cannon said that is a policy choice the legislature can revisit next year. Another member sought confirmation that teachers who participate in the program before July 1, 2026 retain prior benefits; the presenter confirmed they would.

After adopting the rules committee substitute, the House passed the bill by recorded vote; the transcript records the tally as yeas 158 and nays 0. Supporters emphasized the retention and recruitment objective and said the bill had passed the Senate with minimal opposition.