(The Center Square) – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed bills Tuesday that would place a literacy coach in every elementary school and ban high school students from bringing cellphones and other electronic devices into class.
The Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 also created a statewide literacy task force.
Only 38% of Georgia’s third graders are proficient readers, according to data from the Georgia Council on Literacy.
House Speaker Jon Burns, whose wife Dayle is a retired educator, championed the bill.
“Today’s signing of the Early Literacy Act of 2026 marks a historic step forward for Georgia’s children and our state’s future success,” Burns said in a statement. “This landmark legislation equips our students, teachers, and parents with the resources they need to strengthen literacy outcomes and ensure every child in Georgia has the opportunity to learn to read.”
Lawmakers passed House Bill 1009, which bans high school students from having electronic devices in class, a year after passing a ban on elementary and middle schools. Each school would choose how it wants to enforce the ban. School electronic devices will be permitted. The law takes effect in the 2027-28 school year.
Kemp also signed a bill that would allow school districts to offer hunting safety courses. The bill also creates a pilot program for outdoor learning spaces.
A bill sponsored by Sen. Billy Hickman addressing teacher shortages was also signed by Kemp. It extends a program that creates a pathway for former teachers to return to the classroom until 2030.
