HR180: HR180 Mitchell, Malcolm; Georgia Reads Coach; commend

This is a commemorative resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recognizes Malcolm Mitchell, a Super Bowl champion and former University of Georgia Bulldogs player, who was named Georgia Reads Coach by the Georgia Council on Literacy. The resolution reviews the state's recent literacy efforts, including a 2023 law that created the Georgia Council on Literacy and another that required reading instruction reforms based on the science of reading. It credits Mitchell's Share the Magic Foundation with running in-school and community reading programs that have reached students in Georgia, all 50 states, and 17 countries. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy for presentation to Mitchell, but it does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute.

• Formally commends Malcolm Mitchell for his work as Georgia Reads Coach promoting literacy across the state.
• Recounts the 2023 creation of the Georgia Council on Literacy and the state's Early Literacy Act reforms as background.
• Credits the Share the Magic Foundation's in-school and community reading programs reaching students in all 50 states and 17 countries.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Mitchell.

The resolution directly names Malcolm Mitchell and his Share the Magic Foundation. It also references the Georgia Council on Literacy, Georgia teachers and students affected by the Early Literacy Act, and the Clerk of the House, who must prepare the commemorative copy.

This resolution carries no legal or funding effect; it is a symbolic honor. Its practical significance lies in publicly recognizing literacy efforts in Georgia and highlighting an existing state program, the Georgia Council on Literacy, rather than changing any law or policy.

• The whereas clauses describe the 2023 laws SB 211 (creating the Georgia Council on Literacy) and HB 538 (requiring science-of-reading instruction reforms).
• The resolution states Mitchell was named Georgia Reads Coach by the Georgia Council on Literacy to help improve statewide literacy.
• The resolving clause formally commends Mitchell for using literacy to help people find careers, stay healthy, and support their families and communities.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to Mitchell.

1. 2025-02-05House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-05House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-05House Hopper (House)

• Chris Erwin (R, HD-032)Primary sponsor
• Bethany Ballard (R, HD-147)
• Will Wade (R, HD-009)
• Matt Barton (R, HD-005)
• Mike Cheokas (R, HD-151)
• Matt Dubnik (R, HD-029)

• literacy programs
• Georgia Council on Literacy
• commemorative resolution
• education