Speaker Jon Burns Applauds Introduction of Legislative Priority: Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026

ATLANTA - Today, Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington) joined House and Senate leaders in applauding the introduction of House Bill 1193, the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, a landmark legislative priority that marks the most significant reform of Georgia's education policy in nearly three decades. This legislation enables historic investments in K-3 education and reinforces Georgia's commitment to ensuring every child across the state can dream big, achieve success and create a brighter future for themselves.

"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 Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 takes bold, affirmative steps forward to strengthen Georgia's literacy rates by investing where it matters most, streamlining guidelines for grade placement, fostering greater collaboration at the local and school levels, better preparing Georgia's future teachers and educating parents on the critical importance of early literacy and language development.

"House Bill 1193 is the most meaningful and significant education legislation the Georgia General Assembly has championed since the HOPE Scholarship in 1992," said House Education Chairman Chris Erwin (R-Homer). "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."

"I am very proud of the companion Literacy Bill that was dropped by the Senate and House on Wednesday," said Senate Education Chairman Billy Hickman. "I look forward to working with the Senate and House Education Committees as the bill moves through the legislative process."

You can view the full text of House Bill 1193 and Senate Bill 459 at the links below:

House Bill 1193: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72842

Senate Bill 459: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72833

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