The Georgia House of Representatives has introduced House Bill 1193, known as the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026. The legislation is described by state leaders as a major reform in education policy, focusing on improving literacy rates among young students across the state.
Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington) expressed support for the bill and highlighted its importance for students’ futures. “Literacy is one of the keys to life. The ability to read and receive a quality education opens doorways to opportunity and lifelong success, and right now, only one in three Georgia students can read at grade level by the end of third grade,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “That’s why the House is proud to put forward historic legislation that will facilitate generational change for our children, families, businesses and the entire state by ensuring every child has the chance to learn to read.”
The act aims to increase investments in K-3 education, adjust guidelines for grade placement, promote collaboration at local and school levels, improve teacher preparation, and inform parents about early literacy’s significance.
House Education Chairman Chris Erwin (R-Homer) commented on the scope of this legislative effort: “House Bill 1193 is the most meaningful and significant education legislation the Georgia General Assembly has championed since the HOPE Scholarship in 1992. Students across the state will benefit from the policies included in the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 for generations to come, and we look forward to working alongside the Senate to get this life-changing measure across the finish line.”
Senate Education Chairman Billy Hickman also voiced his support: “I am very proud of the companion Literacy Bill that was dropped by the Senate and House on Wednesday. I look forward to working with the Senate and House Education Committees as the bill moves through the legislative process.”
Burns has represented Georgia’s 159th House District since being elected in 2005, following Ray Holland.
The full text of House Bill 1193 can be accessed at https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72842. The corresponding Senate Bill 459 is available at https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72833.
