GA SB515

Maximum participating teachers in the teacher recruitment and retention tax credit program increases from 1,000 to 1,200 statewide

Annual tax credit for new participants joining on or after January 1, 2027 reduces from $3,000 to $2,500; existing participants enrolled by December 31, 2026 retain the $3,000 credit for the duration of their eligibility

Total tax credits capped at $3 million per fiscal year, with pro rata reductions if demand exceeds funding

Qualifying public schools must be in rural territories or among the lowest-performing 5% of schools statewide, with priority given to turnaround-eligible schools, lowest 25% performers, and CSI schools requiring mandatory interventions

Program application deadline extended from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2031, with the act effective January 1, 2027