June 16: Return-to-Work Bill Returns for Committee Consideration
- Robert Aycock
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Though the General Assembly adjourned April 4, some legislative work has continued. Study and standing committees will continue to meet throughout the year in preparation for the 2026 Legislative Session.
House Retirement Committee Refers PAGE-Supported Return-to-Work Extension for Actuarial Review
The House Retirement Committee met Tuesday, June 16, to consider several bills requiring actuarial study. All fiscal retirement bills must undergo such a study during the first year of a legislative biennium before becoming eligible to move through the standard legislative process during the following legislative session.
Among the bills moved forward June 16 for study was HB 372, by Rep. Bethany Ballard (R-Warner Robins). The PAGE-supported legislation would extend Georgia's current return-to-work program until June 30, 2030. It would create statewide eligibility for Pre-K-12 teachers of math and special education and teachers of reading, writing, or English language arts who hold current Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) dyslexia or reading endorsements. HB 372 would allow each public school system to develop a list of three subject areas of highest need to participate in the return-to-work program, shifting the determination of high-needs subject areas away from Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs).
Next Steps for Return-to-Work Legislation
HB 372 joins SB 150 by Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro), which was referred by the Senate Retirement Committee for actuarial review. SB 150 would continue Georgia's return-to-work program until 2034, shorten the required waiting period to 60 days, and allow retirees to return to work in all teaching positions except coaching and athletics.
PAGE will continue to support and report on SB 150 and HB 327 as they continue through the legislative process in 2026.
