Georgia has enacted sweeping new literacy legislation targeting the state’s struggling reading proficiency rates after HB 1193, the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, received final passage on the penultimate day of the legislative session.
The bill was the top priority of House Speaker Jon Burns heading into this year’s session. It passed both chambers and now heads to Gov. Brian Kemp.
“Today, the Georgia House took historic, decisive action to get Georgia’s children reading,” Burns said. “The passage of the Early Literacy Act of 2026 marks the beginning of unprecedented change and a monumental step forward for every child who steps foot in a Georgia classroom.”
The urgency behind the legislation is reflected in stark data. A 2024 report from the Georgia Municipal Association found that only 68 percent of Georgia third-graders were reading proficiently — placing the state near the middle of the nation. Research consistently identifies third-grade reading level as the single strongest predictor of future academic success.
HB 1193 addresses the problem on multiple fronts. It will deploy expert literacy coaches across the state, provide high-quality instructional materials and teacher training tools, educate parents on the importance of early childhood literacy, and streamline grade placement guidelines — including holding students back when necessary until they reach key reading checkpoints.
“Being able to read on grade level empowers students to expand their learning and knowledge,” said House Education Committee Chairman Chris Erwin, one of the driving forces behind the bill. “This bill will blanket the state with expert literacy coaches, high-quality instructional material and tools for teachers to improve the literacy rates of their students.”
Burns called the legislation the beginning of a generational shift.
“I believe it will make a generational difference in the lives of children, families, and our entire state by ensuring every child has the chance to learn to read,” he said.
