Georgia · 2025-2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 459: "Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026"; enact
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 459 is a bill introduced in the Georgia Senate on February 4, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: "Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026"; enact. Primary sponsor: Billy Hickman (Republican), Larry Walker (Republican), Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Shawn Still (Republican), Chuck Payne (Republican), Rick Williams (Republican), Marty Harbin (Republican), Max Burns (Republican), Drew Echols (Republican), Tim Bearden (Republican), Brian Strickland (Republican), Russ Goodman (Republican), Bo Hatchett (Republican), RaShaun Kemp (Democratic), Clint Dixon (Republican), Bill Cowsert (Republican), Elena Parent (Democratic), Sonya Halpern (Democratic), Mike Hodges (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 5, 2026): Senate Read and Referred.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to education, so as to promote and advance state-wide literacy and reading education efforts; to include Quality Basic Education funding for school based literacy coaches in each public school in this state with students in any of grades kindergarten through three; to require all children to attend kindergarten prior to enrolling in first grade, subject to exception; to provide for consideration of such recommendations by the State Board of Education; to provide for a comprehensive state-wide promotional campaign for literacy awareness; to provide a short title; to provide for an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 3 · Republican 16
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billy Hickman | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 4 |
| Larry Walker | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
| Jason Anavitarte | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 31 |
| Shawn Still | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 48 |
| Chuck Payne | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 54 |
| Rick Williams | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 25 |
| Marty Harbin | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 16 |
| Max Burns | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 23 |
| Drew Echols | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 49 |
| Tim Bearden | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 30 |
| Brian Strickland | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 42 |
| Russ Goodman | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 8 |
| Bo Hatchett | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 50 |
| RaShaun Kemp | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 38 |
| Clint Dixon | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 45 |
| Bill Cowsert | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 46 |
| Elena Parent | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 44 |
| Sonya Halpern | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 39 |
| Mike Hodges | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 3 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Senate Read and Referred
- Senate Hopper