ATLANTA (April 24, 2024) – Yesterday, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Senate Bill 464, sponsored by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth Sen. Clint Dixon (R–Gwinnett), into law. This measure mandates the State Board of Education to establish a program for the Department of Education to allocate funds for eligible teachers to purchase school supplies online. It also provides for universal reading screeners to be adopted, used and administrated in every Georgia public school and local school system.
“In signing SB 464 into law, Gov. Kemp has taken a significant step toward advancing education in Georgia,” said Sen. Dixon. “This legislation both enhances the Georgia Early Literacy Act and establishes vital support systems for our educators and students. I’m thrilled to see this bill cross the finish line, as it further emphasizes our commitment to making Georgia the top state for education. I extend my deepest gratitude to Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro) for his unwavering dedication to literacy advocacy, and I commend all those who collaborated with me on this legislation. Together, we are empowering educators and enriching the lives of our students.”
Sen. Hickman further commended the signing of this measure, stating, “SB 464 significantly contributes to supporting our teachers, parents and students here in Georgia. As a longtime advocate for literacy, I am proud to see this bill become law. I want to express my appreciation to Sen. Dixon for his leadership in sponsoring this bill and for continually working to advance education across our state.”
You can read the full text of SB 464 here.
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Sen. Clint Dixon serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth. He represents the 45th Senate District which includes portions of Gwinnett and Barrow Counties. He may be reached at 404.656.6446 or via email at clint.dixon@senate.ga.gov
Sen. Billy Hickman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education. He represents the 4th Senate District which includes Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans, and a small portion of Chatham County. He may be reached at 404.463.1371 or via email at billy.hickman@senate.ga.gov