House Bill 580
By: Representatives Barnes of the 86th, Jackson of the 68th, Drenner of the 85th, Glaize of the
67th, Olaleye of the 59th, and others
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Part 2 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated, relating to competencies and core curriculum under the "Quality Basic Education
Act," so as to require local boards of education to provide instruction in cursive writing; to
require the State Board of Education to adopt content standards for instruction in cursive
writing and to determine the appropriate grade levels for such instruction; to provide for
related matters; to provide for a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION 1.
This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia Penmanship Act."
SECTION 2.
Part 2 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,
relating to competencies and core curriculum under the "Quality Basic Education Act," is
amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:
<ins>"20-2-140.2.
(a) Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, each local board of education shall provide
instruction in cursive writing for such grades and grade levels as shall be determined by the
State Board of Education, which instruction may be incorporated into an existing course
of study.
(b) No later than January 1, 2026, the State Board of Education shall adopt content
standards for such instruction in cursive writing and shall determine the appropriate grades
and grade levels for such instruction."
</ins> SECTION 3.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.