Speaker of the House Jon Burns lays out his legislative priorities ahead of 2026 session

As lawmakers prepare for the 2026 legislative session, Speaker of the House Jon Burns is clear on what he wants to accomplish this year at the capitol. 

Burns said in a news conference Wednesday his three biggest priorities are improving literacy rates, reinforcing the state’s medical workforce, and reducing the burden of property tax.

The Legislature may also revisit the school cellphone ban, he said.

"You'll see us move this session, I do believe, to ban cellphones in high schools," Burns said, "because so many jurisdictions around the state have already done that as well."

Legislation to ban cellphones statewide for students through eighth grade passed last year. Some state senators and Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods have signaled their support for extending the cellphone ban to include older students. 

The Georgia legislative session begins Monday, Jan. 12.