“Last year, the Georgia General Assembly created a new tax credit that would equal to 70 percent of the amount donated to a rural hospital,” said Sen Burke. “After careful consideration and evaluation of the program, we wanted to see more participation. This legislation is intended to spike participation and make the donation process as easy as possible. Many rural hospitals in Georgia are in crisis and are struggling to keep their doors open. We must do all we can to recognize that their need is real and to offer any assistance possible.”

SB 180 amends the rural hospital donation tax credit by doubling the cap on tax credits that each individual or business could receive. Under SB 180, donors will receive a tax credit for 90 percent of their donation amount. SB 180 goes into effect on Monday, May 8, 2017.