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Sen. Billy Hickman Celebrates New Law Strengthening Teacher Retirement Benefits

ATLANTA (May 7, 2026) — Today, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro) celebrated Governor Brian P. Kemp signing Senate Bill 150 into law.

This measure extends a program that allows certain retired teachers with at least 30 years of service to return to full-time classroom teaching while continuing to receive retirement benefits through 2030. Further, the law would give local school systems greater flexibility to identify their highest-need subject areas and to protect retired teachers who are already hired from losing their positions if those needs change.

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President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III Praises Signing of Legislation to Strengthen Georgia’s Forestry Industry

ATLANTA (May 6, 2026) — Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III (R–Perry) today praised the signing of House Bill 134, legislation designed to support Georgia’s forestry industry, drive innovation and provide targeted economic relief to rural communities impacted by recent mill closures.

Sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Walker, House Bill 134, known as the “Keep Georgia Forested Act,” creates new, transferable tax incentives for forestry manufacturers, helping businesses reinvest, expand and remain competitive in a challenging economic environment. The legislation builds on language previously carried by President Pro Tempore Walker and delivers a strategic response to job loss and supply chain disruptions following multiple mill closures across the state in 2025.

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President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III Celebrates Signing of HB 1193 to Strengthen Early Literacy Across Georgia

ATLANTA (May 6, 2026) — Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III (R–Perry) today praised Governor Brian Kemp’s signing of House Bill 1193, the “Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026.” This comprehensive measure is aimed at improving reading outcomes for young students and strengthening Georgia’s education system from the ground up.

HB 1193 makes significant investments in early literacy by establishing school-based and regional literacy coaches, requiring unified literacy plans for all public schools and expanding access to evidence-based instructional materials aligned with the science of reading.

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Sen. Lanny Thomas Announces Appointments to Senate Committees

ATLANTA (May 1, 2026) — Sen. Lanny Thomas (R–Trion) was recently appointed by the Senate Committee on Assignments to serve on several key Senate committees, ensuring Northwest Georgia has a strong voice in shaping policy, advancing local priorities and preparing legislation for the next legislative session.

Sen. Thomas will serve on the following committees:

  • Banking and Financial Institutions
  • Education and Youth – Ex-Officio
  • Higher Education
  • Natural Resources and the Environment
  • State and Local Governmental Operations – Ex-Officio
  • Transportation

“I am honored to serve Northwest Georgia through these committee assignments, and I appreciate the trust placed in me by Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker and the Senate Committee on Assignments,” said Sen. Thomas. “These committees touch the everyday lives of the hardworking people back home, and I am grateful for the opportunity to bring Northwest Georgia’s voice into these conversations.”

A retired educator with more than 35 years of experience, Sen. Thomas brings a background in education to his committee work. He also has experience in local government, having served six years as a town councilman and eight years as mayor.

“Education has been my life’s work, and I have spent decades working with students, families, teachers and communities across Northwest Georgia,” Sen. Thomas added. “I have seen firsthand how decisions made at the state level impact our classrooms, and I look forward to bringing that perspective with me as we work to support strong schools and better outcomes for our students. My time in local government taught me that public service starts with listening and doing the work, and I will continue that approach in the Senate.”

You can find more information about Sen. Thomas here.

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Sen. Lanny Thomas represents the 53rd Senate District, which includes Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade and Walker counties, as well as a portion of Floyd County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 657-7716 or by email at Lanny.Thomas@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Chuck Payne Celebrates Final Passage of Literacy Legislation

ATLANTA (April 24, 2026) — Today, Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton) celebrated the final passage of key legislation aimed at strengthening childhood literacy across Georgia. House Bill 1193, also known as the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, would direct Quality Basic Education funding for school-based literacy coaches to every K-3 public school statewide.

Both the House and the Senate approved the final budget for the 2027 Fiscal Year, which includes $70 million to implement HB 1193’s literacy initiative.

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