HR319: HR319 Reach Out and Read Day at the state capitol; February 19, 2025; recognize the power of reading to young children every day; recognize

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives designates February 19, 2025 as Reach Out and Read Day at the state capitol. Reach Out and Read is a national early literacy program, active in Georgia since 2012, in which pediatricians and medical providers prescribe reading as part of well child checkups and give new books to children from birth through age five. The resolution lists statistics about the program's reach in Georgia, including the number of counties, medical sites, children served, and books distributed, and cites research on developmental and emotional benefits of reading with young children. It commends the program's efforts, encourages Georgia families to read aloud together daily, and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to Reach Out and Read Georgia. It does not create any new law, funding, or requirement.

• Formally designates February 19, 2025 as Reach Out and Read Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Commends Reach Out and Read for integrating books into pediatric care for young children in Georgia.
• Encourages Georgia families to read aloud together every day.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send a copy of the resolution to Reach Out and Read Georgia.
• Does not establish any new legal requirement, funding, or ongoing state program.

The resolution primarily recognizes Reach Out and Read Georgia, its affiliated pediatricians and medical providers, and the families and young children the program serves. It has no direct legal effect on other Georgians, agencies, or businesses.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law, it carries no legal obligations or funding. Its practical effect is public recognition of a pediatric literacy program, which may raise awareness among Georgia families and providers about reading with young children.

• The preamble (WHEREAS clauses) describes Reach Out and Read Georgia's history, scope, and research supporting its literacy program.
• The resolving clause commends Reach Out and Read and recognizes February 19, 2025 as Reach Out and Read Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolution directs the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the resolution to Reach Out and Read Georgia.
• The resolution creates no penalties, funding, or changes to Georgia statutes.

1. 2025-02-19House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-19House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-19House Hopper (House)

• Kim Schofield (D, HD-063)Primary sponsor
• Matt Dubnik (R, HD-029)
• Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)
• Viola Davis (D, HD-087)
• Sandra Scott (D, HD-076)
• Rhonda Burnough (D, HD-077)

• early childhood literacy
• pediatric health
• Reach Out and Read
• state capitol recognition