reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 2 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS (§§ 20-2-880 — 20-2-898) › Section 20-2-894 - Employer and employee commencement dates; coverage of new employees; rejection of coverage

(a)
On July 1, 1977, or on a date as soon thereafter as practicable, as determined by the board, which is defined as the "employer commencement date" the commissioner shall notify the State School Superintendent that the employer payments shall commence on such date. The Superintendent shall notify the employees that employee payments will commence on a date, as determined by the board, which shall not be less than three calendar months following the employer commencement date. The date as established by the board with reference to the employee payments is defined as the "employee commencement date." Upon establishment of the employer commencement date, the provisions of this subpart with reference to such payments shall go into effect. In determining the commencement dates as provided in this subsection, the board shall be governed by the money made available by the state to implement this subpart.
(b)
All persons who become employees as defined in this subpart on or after the employer commencement date and who are eligible as specified by rules and regulations of the board shall become members of this health insurance plan authorized by this subpart, unless the employee rejects or waives such coverage in writing.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 2 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS (§§ 20-2-880 — 20-2-898) › Section 20-2-895 - Contracts with local employers as to coverage; duties of local employers

The board is authorized to contract with local employers for the inclusion of the teachers or employees of local employers within any health insurance plan or plans established under this subpart. Local employers are authorized to contract with the board as provided in this Code section. In the event that any contract is entered into, it shall be the duty of any local employers so contracting to deduct from the salary or other compensation of their teachers or employees such payment as may be required under any health insurance plan and to remit the funds to the board for inclusion in the health insurance fund. In addition, it shall be the duty of such local employers to make the employer contributions required for the operation of such plan or plans. For the purposes of this Code section, the term "teachers" shall mean certificated personnel and the term "employees" shall mean all other personnel.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 2 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS (§§ 20-2-880 — 20-2-898) › Section 20-2-896 - Administrative discharge of certain debts

(a)
It is the purpose of this Code section to authorize a procedure whereby the commissioner of community health may administratively discharge a debt or obligation due the health insurance fund for public school teachers when the amount is $400.00 or less and:
(1)
It is manifest that the debt or obligation is uncollectable; or
(2)
The costs of collecting the debt or obligation would be equal to or greater than the amount due the fund.
(b)
In order to conserve the health insurance funds, the commissioner of community health is authorized to develop a procedure that complies with the policies prescribed by the state accounting officer for the administrative discharge of any debt or obligation due the insurance fund when such debt or obligation is $400.00 or less. This provision shall not be construed to deny to the commissioner the authority to pursue the collection of any debt, obligation, or claim in any amount whatsoever when such pursuit is in the best interest of the insurance fund.
(c)
Upon a formal determination that a debt or obligation to the insurance fund of $400.00 or less is uncollectable, or that the costs of collection would equal or exceed the amount due the fund, the commissioner of community health shall execute and transmit to the state accounting officer a certification which includes the following: a recapitulation of the efforts made to collect the debt or obligation; an estimate of the costs to pursue collection of the debt or obligation administratively or judicially; such other information as may be required by the procedure developed by the commissioner and the state accounting officer; and a statement that further collection effort would be detrimental to the financial interests of the fund. The certification shall be made under oath or affirmation and shall be sent to the state accounting officer at such times as shall be prescribed in the procedure developed by the commissioner and the state accounting officer. Upon receipt of the certification, the state accounting officer shall be authorized to approve the removal of such uncollectable amounts from the financial records of the fund.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 140,§ 26, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 2 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS (§§ 20-2-880 — 20-2-898) › Section 20-2-897 - Confidentiality of claim forms and records

Claim forms and other records which would disclose the nature of the health services provided to an insured shall be maintained on a confidential basis by the health insurance plan. No person shall disclose such records or information to any other person except as necessary for the proper administration of the health insurance plan.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 2 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS (§§ 20-2-880 — 20-2-898) › Section 20-2-898 - Deposit of contributions into Georgia Retiree Health Benefit Fund

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subpart, the board shall deposit into the Georgia Retiree Health Benefit Fund created by Code Section
45-18-101
the individual contributions by retirees and the employer contributions respecting retirees provided for by this subpart.
Added by 2007 Ga. Laws 26,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-910 - Definitions

As used in this subpart, the term:
(1)
"Board" means the Board of Community Health established under Chapter 2 of Title 31.
(2)
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of community health established under Chapter 2 of Title 31.
(3)
"Public school employee" means an "employee" as defined in paragraph (20) of Code Section
47-4-2
. Such term also means and includes classroom aides, paraprofessionals, and noncertified administrative and clerical personnel. It is specifically provided, however, that such term shall not include any emergency or temporary employee or any other employee who works in a position otherwise covered by such term less than 60 percent of the time required to carry out the duties of such position. Such term also means and includes any person, other than an employee in a professionally certificated capacity or position, employed not less than half time and compensated in a charter school in this state established pursuant to either Article 31 or Article 31A of this chapter if such charter school elects to participate in the health insurance plan established pursuant to this subpart upon initial approval of its charter or, if such charter school is an existing charter school, upon renewal of its charter, upon notice by the health insurance plan provided in this part, or upon the expiration of its current health care plan. Notwithstanding this definition or any other provision of this subpart, the board may, by regulation, make available to employees who work 17 1/2 hours or more per week such benefits as are required to be made available to such employees by regulations of the United States Internal Revenue Service or any other federal authority.
(4)
"Qualified entity" means any person, association, corporation, or other legal entity with which the board is authorized under Chapter 18 of Title 45 to contract.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 158,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-7, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 572,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-912 - Exclusions from coverage

Such health insurance plan shall not include expenses incurred by, or on account of, an individual prior to the effective date of the plan as to him; services received for injury or sickness due to war or any act of war, whether declared or undeclared, which war or act of war shall have occurred after the effective date of this plan; expenses for which the individual is not required to make payment; expenses to the extent of benefits provided under any employer group plan other than this plan in the cost of which the state participates; and such other expenses as may be excluded by the regulations of the board.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-913 - Design of plan; controls on unnecessary use of services

The health insurance plan shall be designed by the board to:
(1)
Provide a reasonable relationship between the hospital, surgical, and medical benefits to be included and the expected distribution of expenses of each such type to be incurred by the covered employees and dependents; and
(2)
Include reasonable controls, which may include deductible and coinsurance provisions applicable to some or all of the benefits, to reduce unnecessary utilization of the various hospital, surgical, and medical services to be provided, and to provide reasonable assurance of stability in future years of the plan.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-914 - Contracts for benefits or self-insurance authorized; reinsurance; certificates of coverage

(a)
The board is authorized to execute a contract or contracts to provide the benefits determined upon under the health insurance plan in accordance with this subpart, or the board may, in its discretion, establish a self-insured plan in whole or in part. All of the benefits to be provided under the plan may be included in one or more similar contracts, or the benefits may be classified into different types with each type included in one or more contracts issued by the same or different qualified entities or covered under a self-insured plan. A reasonable time before entering into any insurance contract under this subpart, the board shall invite proposals from such qualified entities as, in the opinion of the board, would desire to accept any part of the insurance coverage authorized by this subpart; provided, however, that the board may, in its discretion, establish a self-insured plan in whole or in part.
(b)
The board may arrange with any qualified entity issuing any such contract to reinsure portions of such contract with any other such qualified entity which elects to be a reinsurer and is legally competent to enter into a reinsurance agreement. The board may designate one or more of such qualified entities as the administering qualified entity or entities.
(c)
Each employee who is covered under any such contract or contracts shall receive a certificate setting forth the benefits to which the employee and his dependents are entitled thereunder, to whom such benefits shall be payable, to whom claims should be submitted, and summarizing the provisions of the contract principally affecting the employee and his dependents. Such certificate shall be in lieu of the certificate which the corporation or corporations issuing such contract or contracts would otherwise issue.
(d)
The qualified entities eligible to participate as reinsurers and the amount of coverage under the contract or contracts to be allocated to each issuing qualified entity or reinsurer may be redetermined by the board for and in advance of any contract year after the first year and with any modifications thereof it deems appropriate to carry out the intent of such subdivision, subject to such limitations as set forth in this subpart. The board may, at the end of any contract year, discontinue any contract or contracts it has executed with any qualified entity or entities and replace it or them with a contract or contracts in any other qualified entity or entities meeting the requirements of this Code section or may, in its discretion, establish a self-insured plan in whole or in part.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-915.1 - Coverage for employees with eight or more years of creditable service; premiums

(a)
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subpart to the contrary, the board shall offer continuous coverage to any public school employee with eight or more years of creditable service who is not eligible to receive retirement benefits because of age. The public school employee shall pay both the employer and employee premiums for such insurance coverage.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subpart to the contrary, any public school employee eligible to elect continuous coverage pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall pay the employer and employee premiums for such coverage in monthly installments. The amount of the monthly premiums shall be equal to the rate of employer and employee contributions in effect during the existence of the coverage.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 344, § 2, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-915.2 - Coverage of dependents after death of employee

At the time of death of any employee, annuitant, or other person who has elected coverage under said contract or contracts for health insurance and who dies having the required creditable service for receiving a benefit from a retirement system of this state which is operated for teachers or public school employees, any spouse or dependent child or children included in the coverage of the contract or contracts for health insurance as provided in this subpart may be entitled to continue such coverage upon agreeing to pay contributions to the cost of such coverage as may be provided by rules and regulations of the board. The board shall be authorized to promulgate and adopt rules and regulations governing the continuance, discontinuance, and resumption of coverage by any such spouse or dependent child or children. The board shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations governing the continuance of coverage by a spouse and dependent children of a retired employee when retirement benefits are insufficient for payment of the health insurance premium.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-916 - Coverage for dependents; agreement to pay contributions

Each employee shall be entitled to have his spouse and dependent children, as defined by the regulations of the board, included in the coverage, upon agreeing to pay his contributions to the cost of such coverage for such dependents. The board shall adopt regulations governing the discontinuance and resumption by employees of coverage for dependents.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-917 - Payment of benefits

(a)
Any benefits payable under the health insurance plan may be made either directly to the attending physicians, hospitals, medical groups, or others furnishing the services upon which a claim is based or to the covered employee upon presentation of valid bills for such services, subject to such provisions to facilitate payment as may be made by the board.
(b)
Such claims must be presented in writing to the board or its designee within two years from the date the service was rendered, or else no benefits will be owed or paid.
(c)
All drafts or checks issued by the board or its designee shall be void if not presented and accepted by the drawer's bank within six months of the date the draft or check was drawn. If the payee or member does not present the draft or check for acceptance during the seven years following the date the draft or check was issued, the draft or check will be void, funds will be retained in the insurance fund, and further payments for such claim will not be owed or paid.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-918 - Health insurance fund for public school employees

(a)
There is created a health insurance fund for public school employees. The fund shall be available without fiscal year limitations for premiums, subscription charges, benefits, and administration costs. The amounts contributed by the state or from federal funds pursuant to this subpart shall be credited to such health insurance fund. All other income, including the income derived from dividends, premium rate adjustments, or other refunds under any such contract or contracts, shall be credited to and constitute a part of such fund. Any amounts remaining in such fund after all premiums or subscription charges and other expenses have been paid shall be retained in such fund as a special reserve for adverse fluctuation. The commissioner shall be the custodian of such health insurance fund and shall be responsible under a properly approved bond for all moneys coming into the fund and paid out of the fund as may be required to be paid to any contracting qualified entity under any contract entered into pursuant to this subpart and to cover administrative costs.
(b)
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the commissioner may combine the fund provided for in this Code section with the funds provided for in Code Section
20-2-891
and Code Section
45-18-12
.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 124,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-919 - Investment of health insurance fund

Any amounts held by the health insurance fund which are available for investment shall be paid over to the Office of the State Treasurer. The state treasurer shall deposit such funds in a trust account for credit only to the health insurance fund. The state treasurer shall invest these health insurance funds subject to the limitations of Code Section
50-5A-7
and Chapter 17 of Title 50. All income derived from such investments shall accrue to the health insurance fund. When moneys are paid over to the Office of the State Treasurer, as provided in this Code section, the commissioner shall submit an estimate of the date such funds shall no longer be available for investment. When the commissioner wishes to withdraw funds from the trust account provided for in this Code section, he or she shall submit a request for such withdrawal, in writing, to the state treasurer.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 621,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2010.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 621,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-920 - Withholding or deducting employees' contributions; state contributions; enrollment of employees of school system not participating in the plan

(a)
During any period in which an employee is covered under the health insurance plan authorized by this subpart prior to the date of the employee's retirement, there shall be withheld from each salary payment of such employee, as the employee's share of the cost of coverage under this plan, such portion of the premium or subscription charges under the terms of any contract or contracts issued in accordance with this subpart as may be established by the board. During any month in which benefits are being paid by a public school employees' retirement system to an individual so covered under this program, contributions shall be deducted from such payments in the amounts prescribed by the board with the consent of the recipient.
(b)
The Department of Education and local school systems shall contribute to the health insurance fund such portion of the costs of such benefits as may be established by the board to maintain the employee contributions consistent with other health insurance plans administered by the board. In the event that the commissioner shall determine that a local employer has failed to contribute the full amount of such portion, as calculated by the commissioner, it shall be the duty of the commissioner to notify the State Board of Education of such failure and it shall be the duty of the State Board of Education to, with reasonable promptness, withhold from the employer which has failed to comply sufficient state funds as calculated by the commissioner to fully satisfy the outstanding obligation of the local employer to the health insurance fund. Such withheld funds shall be promptly transmitted by the state board to the Department of Community Health.
(c)
If a local school system elects not to participate in the health insurance plan, the board may establish regulations by which the employees of such local school system may enroll as a group, provided an adequate participation percentage is maintained to assure a sound policy of shared risk.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 241,§ 37, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 124,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-921 - Providing for funds required annually for employer contributions

At an appropriate time during each year, the commissioner shall certify to the State School Superintendent the amount of funds determined by the board as employer payments for the ensuing fiscal year and, in his annual budget for the Department of Education, the Superintendent shall have provision for funds sufficient to pay the board such required employer payments.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-922 - Employer and employee commencement dates; option to reject or elect coverage

(a)
On a date as soon as practicable, as determined by the board, which is defined as the "employer commencement date," the commissioner shall notify the State School Superintendent and local school superintendents that the employer payments shall commence on such date. The State School Superintendent shall notify the employees that employee payments will commence on a date following the employer commencement date, which will be determined by the board. The date as established by the board with reference to the employee payments is defined as the "employee commencement date."
(b)
Any employee who is otherwise eligible in accordance with rules and regulations of the board shall have an option to elect coverage in this program, and, in the event an employee rejects coverage, such employee shall be authorized to obtain coverage at a later date upon compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the board relative thereto.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-923 - Option of local boards as to coverage

Local school boards shall have the option to determine whether or not the public school employees within their respective systems shall be covered under this subpart.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-924 - Administrative discharge of certain debts

(a)
It is the purpose of this Code section to authorize a procedure whereby the commissioner of community health may administratively discharge a debt or obligation due the health insurance fund for public school employees when the amount is $400.00 or less and:
(1)
It is manifest that the debt or obligation is uncollectable; or
(2)
The costs of collecting the debt or obligation would be equal to or greater than the amount due the fund.
(b)
In order to conserve the health insurance funds, the commissioner of community health is authorized to develop a procedure that complies with the policies prescribed by the state accounting officer for the administrative discharge of any debt or obligation due the insurance fund when such debt or obligation is $400.00 or less. This provision shall not be construed to deny to the commissioner the authority to pursue the collection of any debt, obligation, or claim in any amount whatsoever when such pursuit is in the best interest of the insurance fund.
(c)
Upon a formal determination that a debt or obligation to the insurance fund of $400.00 or less is uncollectable, or that the costs of collection would equal or exceed the amount due the fund, the commissioner of community health shall execute and transmit to the state accounting officer a certification which includes the following: a recapitulation of the efforts made to collect the debt or obligation; an estimate of the costs to pursue collection of the debt or obligation administratively or judicially; such other information as may be required by the procedure developed by the commissioner and the state accounting officer; and a statement that further collection effort would be detrimental to the financial interests of the fund. The certification shall be made under oath or affirmation and shall be sent to the state accounting officer at such times as shall be prescribed in the procedure developed by the commissioner and the state accounting officer. Upon receipt of the certification, the state accounting officer shall be authorized to approve the removal of such uncollectable amounts from the financial records of the fund.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 140,§ 27, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-925 - Confidentiality of claim forms and records

Claim forms and other records which would disclose the nature of the health services provided to an insured shall be maintained on a confidential basis by the health insurance plan. No person shall disclose such records or information to any other person except as necessary for the proper administration of the health insurance plan.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-926 - Deposit of contributions into Georgia Retiree Health Benefit Fund

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subpart, the board shall deposit into the Georgia Retiree Health Benefit Fund created by Code Section
45-18-101
the individual contributions by retirees and the employer contributions respecting retirees provided for by this subpart.
Added by 2007 Ga. Laws 26,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 6 - HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS (§§ 20-2-874 — 20-2-930) › Subpart 3 - PLAN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-910 — 20-2-930) › Section 20-2-930 - Professional liability insurance coverage for teachers and other school personnel

(a)
For purposes of this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Certificated personnel" means all teachers, principals, and other education personnel certificated by the Professional Standards Commission.
(2)
"Student teacher" means a college or university student in an education degree program in a unit of the University System of Georgia or in a private postsecondary institution who, as part of the degree program, is in a local school system in a classroom setting providing instruction to students and being mentored by a teacher.
(b)
The Department of Administrative Services shall be authorized to purchase or provide a policy or policies of professional liability insurance, subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, insuring certificated personnel who are employed by a local school system and student teachers. Such policy or policies shall protect against damages arising out of the performance of their duties or in any way connected therewith. The amount of such insurance and the appropriate coverages shall be in the discretion of the Department of Administrative Services, subject to specific appropriations by the General Assembly.
(c)
Insurance coverage provided pursuant to this Code section shall automatically cover all certificated personnel who are employed by a local school system and student teachers and shall be at no cost to such certificated personnel or student teachers.
(d)
The program of insurance under this part shall be administered by the Department of Administrative Services and such department shall be authorized to promulgate any necessary rules and regulations to implement such program.
(e)
The program of insurance shall be effective for insurance coverage of certificated personnel and student teachers no later than July 1, 2005.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 142,§ 3, eff. 5/3/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 7 - TERMINATION, SUSPENSION, NONRENEWAL, DEMOTION, OR REPRIMAND (§§ 20-2-940 — 20-2-948) › Section 20-2-943 - Powers of local boards of education under this part

(a)
In exercising its powers in the enforcement of due process under this part, a local board of education shall be authorized:
(1)
Under Code Section
20-2-940
to:
(A)
Terminate the contract of the teacher or other school employee;
(B)
Suspend a teacher or other school employee without pay for a period of time not to exceed 60 days. In such event, the teacher or employee shall provide no services for the school system and shall receive no compensation but shall be considered an employee on suspended status; or
(C)
Reinstate a teacher or other school employee in the event the teacher or school employee has been temporarily relieved from duty in accordance with this part;
(2)
Under Code Section
20-2-942
to:
(A)
Nonrenew a teacher's or other school employee's contract;
(B)
Renew a teacher's or other school employee's contract; or
(C)
Demote a teacher or other school employee from one position in the school system to another position in the school system having less responsibility, prestige, and salary.
(b)
Nothing in this part shall be construed as depriving local boards of education and other school officials from assigning and reassigning teachers and other certificated professional employees from one school to another or from assigning and reassigning teachers to teach different classes or subjects.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 7 - TERMINATION, SUSPENSION, NONRENEWAL, DEMOTION, OR REPRIMAND (§§ 20-2-940 — 20-2-948) › Section 20-2-944 - Letters of reprimand

A local school superintendent may write a letter of reprimand to a teacher or other school employee for any valid reason. A copy of the letter of reprimand is to remain in the teacher's or employee's permanent personnel file, and the teacher or employee receiving such a letter of reprimand shall have the right to appeal the decision of the superintendent to the local board of education, the hearing to be conducted according to this part. The local board shall have the right either to affirm the decision of the superintendent or to reverse it. If the decision of the local board is to reverse it, the letter of reprimand shall be removed from the teacher's or employee's permanent personnel file.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 7 - TERMINATION, SUSPENSION, NONRENEWAL, DEMOTION, OR REPRIMAND (§§ 20-2-940 — 20-2-948) › Section 20-2-945 - Rules and regulations

The State Board of Education and local boards of education may adopt rules and regulations to implement this part not inconsistent with this part.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 7 - TERMINATION, SUSPENSION, NONRENEWAL, DEMOTION, OR REPRIMAND (§§ 20-2-940 — 20-2-948) › Section 20-2-946 - Boards of education subject to this part

This part shall apply to boards of education of all public school systems in this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 7 - TERMINATION, SUSPENSION, NONRENEWAL, DEMOTION, OR REPRIMAND (§§ 20-2-940 — 20-2-948) › Section 20-2-947 - Part does not authorize contracts of employment

Nothing in this part shall be construed as authorizing a local board of education to enter into contracts with any employees for definite terms where such contracts are not already authorized by existing law or by laws to be enacted hereafter, separately from this part.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 7 - TERMINATION, SUSPENSION, NONRENEWAL, DEMOTION, OR REPRIMAND (§§ 20-2-940 — 20-2-948) › Section 20-2-948 - Reduction in force policies

(a)
A local board of education shall not adopt or implement a policy that allows length of service to be the primary or sole determining factor when implementing a reduction in force. The local board shall consider as the primary factor the performance of the educator, one measure of which may be student academic performance.
(b)
Any policy that does not comply with subsection (a) of this Code section shall be considered invalid and the State Board of Education shall be authorized to take action to withhold all or any portion of state funds in accordance with Code Section
20-2-243
.
(c)
This Code section shall not apply if a local board of education eliminates an entire program.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 726,§ 2, eff. 5/2/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 8 - BONDS AND ACCOUNTS OF PRINCIPALS (§§ 20-2-960 — 20-2-963) › Section 20-2-960 - [Repealed] Bonds required; conditions; payment of premiums; applicability of Chapter 4 of Title 45

Repealed by 2012 Ga. Laws 619,§ 36, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 8 - BONDS AND ACCOUNTS OF PRINCIPALS (§§ 20-2-960 — 20-2-963) › Section 20-2-961 - Preparation and distribution of forms or books for principals' accounts

The Department of Education shall prepare forms or books, or both, in which shall be kept the accounting of the funds and property by principals of public schools as provided for in this part. Such forms or books, or both, shall be distributed, free of charge, by the department to each local board of education in this state and in a sufficient quantity as will satisfy the needs of that particular system.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 8 - BONDS AND ACCOUNTS OF PRINCIPALS (§§ 20-2-960 — 20-2-963) › Section 20-2-962 - Quarterly reports by principals; audits by local boards

The principal of each public school shall make a quarterly report to the local board of education immediately upon the end of each quarter of the fiscal year, and such report shall contain an account of all receipts and expenditures of such funds during the past quarter. The principal shall also make an annual report of the complete property inventory of the school. The local board may at any time during the school year inspect all receipts, expenditures, and property of each public school.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 9 - PROVIDING UNIFORMS (§ 20-2-980) › Section 20-2-980 - Expenditures for uniforms for maintenance, food service, or custodial personnel

The board of education of each county school system is authorized to expend its educational funds for the purpose of providing uniforms for its school maintenance, food service, or custodial personnel. Expenditures for such purposes shall be for educational purposes by facilitating the identification of school maintenance, food service, or custodial personnel, thereby controlling unauthorized access to school campuses and promoting the public health and the safety of students.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 10 - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (§§ 20-2-981 — 20-2-989.1) › Section 20-2-981 - Short title

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia Professional Standards Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 10 - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (§§ 20-2-981 — 20-2-989.1) › Section 20-2-982 - Purpose

The following constitute the major purposes of this part:
(1)
To simplify and make more efficient the process of certifying educational personnel in Georgia;
(2)
To attract the highest possible number of qualified personnel to become educators in Georgia;
(3)
To promote the hiring of qualified educators from other states to work in Georgia schools;
(4)
To improve the level of preparation of educators, both pre-service and in-service, by requiring for purposes of certification those essential skills and that knowledge needed to deliver effective education;
(5)
To adopt standards of professional performance and a code of professional ethics for educators, both of which shall represent standards of performance and conduct which are generally accepted by educators of this state;
(6)
To investigate reports of specified criminal conduct, violations of professional or ethical codes of conduct, and violations of certain rules, regulations, and policies by school system educators;
(7)
To enforce the requirement that local school systems promptly report specified criminal conduct of school system educators to the commission; and
(8)
To impose disciplinary action or a denial of a certificate against an educator.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 10 - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (§§ 20-2-981 — 20-2-989.1) › Section 20-2-982.1 - Definitions

As used in this part, the term:
(1)
"Commission" means the Professional Standards Commission.
(2)
"Educator" means teachers and school or school system administrators and other education personnel of this state who hold certificates, permits, or other certification documents, including clearance certificates, issued by the Professional Standards Commission and persons who have applied for but have not yet received or have been denied such certificates, permits, or other certification documents from the Professional Standards Commission.
(3)
"Expungement" means the records are destroyed pursuant to subsection (e) of Code Section
20-2-984.5
in accordance with an established records retention schedule.
(4)
"Local board" means the board of education of any local school system.
(5)
"Local school system" means any county school system or any independent school system of a municipality.
(6)
"Local superintendent" means the school superintendent of any local school system.
(7)
"State board" means the State Board of Education.
(8)
"State superintendent" means the State School Superintendent.
(9)
"Teaching" means any professional service rendered or performed by an educator.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 126,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 408,§ 1F, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 10 - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (§§ 20-2-981 — 20-2-989.1) › Section 20-2-984.1 - Professional Standards Commission - Adoption of standards of performance and a code of ethics

(a)
It shall be the duty of the commission, by regulation, to adopt standards of performance and a code of ethics for educators. The standards of performance and code of ethics shall represent standards of performance and conduct which are generally accepted by educators of this state. In adopting regulations as provided in this Code section, the commission shall seek the advice of educators of this state. The standards of performance and code of ethics adopted by the commission shall be limited to professional performance and professional ethics. The standards of performance and code of ethics adopted by the commission shall not require an individual to participate in or complete any training program in which divisive concepts, as such term is defined in Code Section
20-1-11
, are advocated for.
(b)
Upon the adoption by the commission of standards of performance and a code of ethics as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section, educators of this state shall be obliged to meet and comply with such standards of performance and to abide by such code of ethics.
Amended by 2022 Ga. Laws 719,§ 1-6, eff. 7/1/2022.