Georgia House passes sweeping education, school safety bills

Georgia House Republicans announced a package of legislation that passed this week dealing with education and literacy among Georgia’s students.

“We’re proud of things that went on today and it’s certainly a great day for the students and the educators, our families and communities all across this great state,” said Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns at a news conference. “Today, this Georgia House reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to ensuring every child in Georgia has an opportunity to learn, dream, and create a better and bigger, brighter future for themselves.”

Burns touted House Bill 1193 as the most influential education legislation to pass the House since the HOPE Scholarship was created. The Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 will place a literacy coach in every public K-3 elementary school as well as provide resources to teachers and families to promote literacy.

“House Bill 1193 will have a generational impact on our children, our students, and I believe our entire state,” Burns said.

The Georgia House also passed House Bill 1023, which requires all public schools to use weapons detection systems at all main points of entry.

“Following the tragedy at Apalachee High School in 2024, the House made school safety our top priority. We passed an historic school safety bill last session, and today we reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring Georgia students can learn in a safe and secure environment,” Burns said.

Lawmakers noted that schools can apply for grants for the detection devices, and the proposed 2027 budget includes $50,000 per school in Georgia. Several questions were raised regarding the funding of the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, but lawmakers said a financial study would need to be conducted to provide specific funding requirements.

Here are the bills Burns and lawmakers promoted Tuesday: 

• House Bill 310 – Student Teacher Promotion Act
• House Bill 372 – Helps recruit retired teachers
• House Bill 385  – Expands access to HOPE
• House Bill 971 – Strengthens access to college and career academies
• House Bill 1009 – Removes cell phones from Georgia classrooms
• House Bill 1193 – Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026
• House Bill 1023 – Requires public schools to use weapons detection systems
• House Bill 1123 – Increases access to after-school care