ATLANTA – State Representative Bethany Ballard (R-Warner Robins) today joined Governor Brian Kemp for the signing of House Bills 81 and 307. House Bill 81 creates the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, and House Bill 307 updates screening requirements for students with dyslexia.
“I am thankful to Governor Kemp for signing these two key pieces of legislation into law today,” said Rep. Ballard. “As a former educator, I have seen firsthand the tremendous progress students can make when they have access to mental health support and early intervention with reading. By investing in mental health resources and specialized educational services for our children, we help ensure that every student has the chance to reach their full potential. I am excited for the rollout of these services in schools across the state.”
HB 81 enters Georgia into the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, establishing a pathway for school psychologists to obtain equivalent licenses in participating states. The goal of the legislation is to reduce licensure barriers for school psychologists, while ensuring that safe, effective school psychological services are available and delivered by appropriately qualified professionals in schools.
HB 307, the Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act, provides learning interventions and updates provisions for students at risk of not achieving grade level reading proficiency or who show signs of dyslexia. The legislation aligns instruction for these students with the science of reading principles. It also prevents using three-cueing instruction as the primary means of providing literacy instruction, and it creates the Georgia Literacy Plan Coordination Council with the goal of supporting coordination of state literacy efforts and ensuring standardized training across the state. Lastly, the bill extends the repeal date of the Georgia Council on Literacy from 2026 to 2030.
Representative Bethany Ballard represents the citizens of District 147, which includes portions of Houston and Peach counties. She first was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Special Rules Committee. She also serves on the Appropriations, Appropriations Subcommittee on Judicial, Defense & Veterans Affairs and Education committees.
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