Georgia Implements New Laws on Literacy and Device Restrictions in High Schools
Georgia has enacted a series of new education laws aimed at improving literacy and managing electronic device usage in high schools. Governor Brian Kemp signed nine bills, including the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 and House Bill 1009, which bans personal electronic devices such as cellphones in high schools. The device ban, effective by July 1, 2027, requires all devices to be stored away during school hours, with exceptions for students with specific educational or medical needs. This measure builds on previous legislation that removed devices from K-8 classrooms to enhance focus and academic performance. Additionally, the literacy act will deploy over 1,300 full-time literacy coaches in K-3 schools, supported by a $70 million budget, and aims to improve reading proficiency among young students. 
