HB 1193, the “Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026,” comprehensively restructures Georgia’s early literacy policy by aligning kindergarten through third grade instruction with the science of reading, requiring full-day kindergarten, establishing first grade readiness assessments and related promotion and retention procedures, and strengthening compulsory attendance expectations. The bill mandates school-based literacy coaches funded through QBE in every K–3 school, creates regional and statewide literacy leadership positions and coordinating bodies within the Office of Student Achievement, requires unified literacy plans and state-approved high-quality instructional materials, establishes standards for universal reading screeners and educator preparation programs, and expands reporting and accountability requirements to monitor literacy outcomes statewide.