House unanimously agrees to Senate substitute on statewide literacy plan

The Georgia House agreed unanimously on March 31 to the Senate substitute for House Bill 1193, a package the chamber and Senate described as a major step to improve early‑grade literacy.

Chairman Erwin (Irwin) and education committee leaders described the bill as an implementation of the Georgia Early Literacy Act with targeted changes: the bill moves program funding into the QBE grants framework, sets a sunset for the literacy council in December 2026, and codifies interventions designed to ensure students can read on grade level by third grade. The sponsor and members said the measure is the product of significant bipartisan and inter‑chamber negotiation.

“Watch how our children and our schools change when they can read on grade level,” Chairman Erwin said on the floor, urging members to support the substitute. Members from both parties and education stakeholders in the chamber praised the collaborative work and the bill’s focus on long‑term literacy outcomes.

The clerk announced the final tally after roll call: yeas 168, nays 0. The House agreed to the Senate substitute and the measure will proceed in the legislative process.

Next steps: House staff said the bill will be enrolled as passed and move toward final enrollment steps for delivery to the Senate and the governor’s office as appropriate.