New Law Slows Child Care Hiring | Macon News

Macon Georgia News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 9, 2026 · 1m

A new Georgia law signed by Governor Kemp is crippling child care centers as they scramble to hire staff before the school year starts. House Bill 1097 requires dual agency approvals—first from DECAL, then the GBI—before background checks can even begin, causing delays that are turning into a staffing crisis. With over half of applications denied and centers already turning away kids, providers are frustrated by the lack of clear guidance and timing. The ripple effects are felt across early childhood, senior care, and disability services, as staff shortages force overworked teams to take on…