Several pieces of legislation aligned with the Georgia Department of Education's legislative priorities successfully crossed over in the Georgia General Assembly last week, keeping proposals focused on supporting teachers, strengthening learning, and protecting instructional time for students in play as the 2026 legislative session continues.

Crossover Day marks the deadline for most bills to pass out of their chamber of origin in order to remain eligible for consideration this session.

"Georgia's students deserve excellent instruction in schools that open up opportunities for their futures, and the educators who make that happen each day deserve our support," State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. "I'm encouraged to see continued momentum on legislation aligned to our priorities – supporting teachers, strengthening learning and instruction, and ensuring the safe and supportive learning environments students need to thrive."

GaDOE Legislative Priorities Crossing Over

HB 372: Return to Work

HB 372 continues Georgia's Return-to-Work initiative, which allows retired educators to return to the classroom while maintaining their retirement benefits. GaDOE supports the extension of Return-to-Work, which helps school districts – particularly in rural areas – keep highly qualified educators in classrooms.

Aligned to Legislative Priority: Continue Return-to-Work legislation to fill teacher vacancies.

HB 1193: Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026

HB 1193 builds on Georgia's continued focus on early literacy by expanding supports for reading instruction. GaDOE supports the legislation's provision of funding for literacy coaches in public schools that serve grades K-3.

Aligned to Legislative Priority: Support school-level literacy coaches and tutors.

HB 1009: Cellphone Ban Expansion

HB 1009 expands Georgia's distraction-free learning legislation to include high school grades, helping reduce classroom distractions and support student mental health. GaDOE supports the extension of distraction-free legislation into high school based on extensive feedback from teachers and students.

Aligned to Legislative Priority: Expand cellphone distraction-free legislation to include grades 9-12.

SB 556: Fine Arts for HOPE Scholarship Eligibility

SB 556 expands HOPE Scholarship eligibility to include Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge fine arts courses. GaDOE advocated for this expansion in recognition of the value of fine arts education as part of a well-rounded academic experience, and the preparation high-level fine arts instruction provides for careers in Georgia's creative industries.

Aligned to Legislative Priority: Support the whole child (and additional advocacy for the inclusion of fine arts in HOPE eligibility calculations).

SB 515: Teacher Tax Credit Revisions

SB 515 revises provisions related to Georgia's Teacher Recruitment and Retention Tax Credit Program, which provides targeted state income tax credits to support efforts to recruit and retain high-quality educators. The bill would raise the maximum credit amount for certain participating teachers and raise the cap on the number of teachers who can participate in the program. GaDOE supports these efforts to strengthen the educator workforce and help school districts attract and retain qualified teachers.

Aligned to Legislative Priority: Treat employees as professionals and retain highly qualified staff.

SB 148: Teacher Personal Days

SB 148 increases the number of sick days an educator may use for personal leave from three to five days. GaDOE supports this legislation, recognizing that – just as student mental health is a core concern – the mental health and wellbeing of our educators must be at the forefront as well. SB 148 has passed both chambers and awaits the Governor's signature.

Aligned to Legislative Priority: Secure five personal days for teachers and classified staff.

$2,000 Supplement for Educators & HR 1582 – Study Committee on Veteran Teacher Compensation

The AFY26 budget passed with the inclusion of a $2,000 pay supplement for educators, continuing Georgia's investments in teacher compensation. GaDOE strongly supports this bonus for Georgia's hardworking educators and continues to call for additional investments in the educator workforce.

GaDOE also supports the initiation of House Resolution 1582, which would establish a study committee on veteran teacher compensation – including a review of increasing the educator pay scale beyond 21 years.

Aligned to Legislative Priority: Increase teacher and certified staff pay by $10,000 over the next five years; expand teacher salary step increases beyond 21 years of service.

Legislation that has crossed over now moves to the opposite chamber for consideration as the 2026 legislative session continues. The session is scheduled to conclude on Sine Die, the final legislative day, later this spring.