Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB82

Introduced
1/26/23  
Report Pass
3/2/23  
Introduced
1/26/23  
Engrossed
3/6/23  
Report Pass
3/2/23  
Refer
3/7/23  
Engrossed
3/6/23  
Report Pass
3/16/23  
Refer
3/7/23  
Report Pass
1/30/24  
Report Pass
3/16/23  
Enrolled
4/2/24  
Report Pass
1/30/24  
Chaptered
4/19/24  
Enrolled
4/2/24  
Chaptered
4/19/24  

Caption

Income tax; limit eligibility for rural physician tax credit to physicians who qualify on or before December 31, 2023

Impact

One significant impact of HB 82 is its intent to attract and retain healthcare professionals in rural areas, which are often underserved and may face a shortage of healthcare providers. By providing financial incentives, the bill aims to encourage medical practitioners to either move to or stay in rural counties, thus improving local healthcare services and access. The definition of 'rural county' specifically includes locations with fewer than 50,000 residents, ensuring that the support is directed towards smaller communities that may have difficulty attracting qualified healthcare professionals.

Summary

House Bill 82 aims to amend existing tax credit provisions for rural physicians and dentists in Georgia. The legislation seeks to limit eligibility for a rural physician tax credit to those who qualify on or before May 15, 2024, thereby establishing a clear timeline for potential applicants. This bill provides a framework for tax credits amounting to $5,000 for rural healthcare professionals, which can be claimed annually for up to five years, contingent upon continued qualification as a rural practitioner. The House Bill also introduces a sunset clause, ensuring the provisions will be repealed by December 31, 2029, thereby necessitating periodic reassessment and renewal of the legislation's effectiveness.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 82 appears largely supportive among legislators and stakeholders who recognize the ongoing challenges of rural healthcare provision. Proponents of the bill underscore its potential to bolster healthcare access and improve outcomes in rural regions, aligning with broader goals of enhancing public health. However, there may also be concerns voiced by critics regarding the limited duration of the tax credit and whether it will adequately address the systemic issues underlying rural healthcare shortages.

Contention

Notable points of contention in the discussions around HB 82 center on the geographical limitations and conditions set for eligibility. Some critics argue that while the tax credit is a step in the right direction, it may not sufficiently address the complexities of rural healthcare recruitment and retention. Furthermore, the automatic repeal date could prompt discussions around sustainability and whether similar legislation would need to be reintroduced in the future to continue supporting rural healthcare professionals.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB46

Physicians, rural physicians income tax credit, replace existing credit

GA HB291

Physicians, rural physicians income tax credit, existing law repealed and replaced with new income tax credit after December 31, 2024, new credit increased to $10,000 per year for four years, transition provisions

GA HB239

Rural physician tax credit; eligibility qualifications revised

GA HB2089

Revenue and taxation; income tax credit; rural physicians; effective date.

GA HB283

Relating to state income tax credits for rural physicians; to designate Sections 40-18-130, 40-18-131, and 40-18-132, Code of Alabama 1975, as Division 1 of Article 4A of Chapter 18 of Title 40, Code of Alabama 1975; to terminate the income tax credit authorized for a rural physician under the existing Article 4A of Chapter 18, Title 40, Code of Alabama 1975, effective December 31, 2023; to provide that any physician who claimed the credit or claims the credit under the existing Article 4A for the tax year ending on December 31, 2023, would be authorized to continue to claim the credit under the prior law until the credit period authorized under the prior law for that physician expires; to add Division 2 to Article 4A of Chapter 18, Title 40, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for a rural physician income tax credit; to provide definitions; to modify the requirement for residence and practice in a rural community; to remove the requirement for hospital privileges in a rural community; and to require the State Board of Medical Examiners to certify physicians who qualify for the income tax credit.

GA SB277

Relating to state income tax credits for rural physicians; to designate Sections 40-18-130, 40-18-131, and 40-18-132, Code of Alabama 1975, as Division 1 of Article 4A of Chapter 18 of Title 40, Code of Alabama 1975; to terminate the income tax credit authorized for a rural physician under the existing Article 4A of Chapter 18, Title 40, Code of Alabama 1975, effective December 31, 2023; to provide that any physician who claimed the credit or claims the credit under the existing Article 4A for the tax year ending on December 31, 2023, would be authorized to continue to claim the credit under the prior law until the credit period authorized under the prior law for that physician expires; to add Division 2 to Article 4A of Chapter 18, Title 40, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for a rural physician income tax credit; to provide definitions; to modify the requirement for residence and practice in a rural community; to remove the requirement for hospital privileges in a rural community; and to require the State Board of Medical Examiners to certify physicians who qualify for the income tax credit.

GA AB1622

Family physicians.

GA HB351

Rural Health Tax Credit Eligibility

GA SB529

Physicians; certain licensure for qualifying foreign medical graduates; provide

GA HB52

Rural Health Care Tax Credit Eligibility

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