Rep. Debra Bazemore Introduces Legislation to Establish Immersive Writing Program at Eligible Public Elementary Schools

ATLANTA - State Representative Debra Bazemore (D-South Fulton) introduced House Bill 200 during the 2025 legislative session, which would establish a three-year pilot immersive writing program for eligible public elementary schools. This bill was passed by the House during the 2025 session and is awaiting consideration in the Senate Education & Youth Committee.

"I am grateful for my House colleagues' support of this bill during the 2025 legislative session," said Rep. Bazemore. "HB 200 would take a step in the right direction toward improving literacy and writing skills in Georgia. I am hopeful for the Senate's favorable consideration of this legislation during the 2026 session so that we can move this bill across the finish line."

Under House Bill 200, the State Board of Education would establish a three-year pilot immersive writing program for eligible public elementary schools for students in grades two through five, with the goal of improving literacy skills. The pilot program would include funding for up to $2 million in grants each school year beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. Under the bill, the Department of Education would develop an application process and seek applications by October 1, 2026, from eligible public schools for the pilot program to be submitted by January 1, 2027.

HB 200 passed out of the House during the 2025 legislative session and was sent to the Senate for consideration. The bill remains eligible for consideration during the 2026 legislative session.

The full text of HB 200 may be found here.

Representative Debra Bazemore represents the citizens of District 69, which includes portions of Fayette and Fulton counties. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Natural Resources & Environment and Small Business Development committees.

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