President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III Celebrates Signing of HB 1193 to Strengthen Early Literacy Across Georgia

ATLANTA (May 6, 2026) - Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III (R-Perry) today praised Governor Brian Kemp's signing of House Bill 1193, the "Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026." This comprehensive measure is aimed at improving reading outcomes for young students and strengthening Georgia's education system from the ground up.

HB 1193 makes significant investments in early literacy by establishing school-based and regional literacy coaches, requiring unified literacy plans for all public schools and expanding access to evidence-based instructional materials aligned with the science of reading.

"Strong reading skills are the foundation for a child's achievement in school and in life," said Sen. Walker. "This legislation takes a comprehensive approach to improving literacy by supporting our teachers and equipping our classrooms to cultivate confident, capable readers. We must give every child, no matter their background or zip code, a fair shot at success. Through HB 1193, we are setting our students, our workforce and our state up for long-term sustainability."

House Bill 1193 requires the implementation of literacy coaches in K-3 schools, provides enhanced professional development for educators and creates new statewide coordination efforts through the Georgia Literacy Coordinating Committee and Georgia Literacy Task Force.

The legislation also establishes consistent statewide standards for literacy instruction, including state-approved curriculum materials and universal reading screeners. Targeted intervention strategies will also identify students at risk of falling behind.

In addition, the bill strengthens early education policies by requiring unified literacy plans across all school systems and updating placement and promotion policies to ensure students are prepared for success as they advance through grade levels.

House Bill 1193 took effect following the Governor's signature on May 5, 2026. You can find more information about this legislation here.

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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate. He represents the 20^thSenate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen and Wilcox counties, as well as a portion of Houston County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at [email protected].

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