HB269: HB269 Education; revise requirements of child care learning centers and family child care learning homes

Georgia law currently regulates child care learning centers and family child care learning homes through the Department of Early Care and Learning but does not require them to carry a specific level of liability insurance. This bill changes that by adding a new subsection to the state's early care and learning law (O.C.G.A. § 20-1A-10). Under the bill, these centers and homes would have to maintain a commercial general liability insurance policy covering bodily injury and property damage, with at least $500,000 in coverage per incident and at least $1 million total per year. The bill would take effect immediately if signed by the Governor or if it becomes law without a signature, and it repeals any conflicting laws.

• Adds a new insurance requirement to Georgia's early care and learning law (O.C.G.A. § 20-1A-10) covering child care learning centers and family child care learning homes.
• Requires those centers and homes to carry commercial general liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage.
• Sets a minimum coverage floor of $500,000 for a single occurrence and $1 million in total coverage per year (in the aggregate).
• Makes the law take effect as soon as the Governor signs it or it otherwise becomes law without a signature.

Licensed child care learning centers and family child care learning homes across Georgia, along with their owners and operators, who would need to buy or verify liability insurance coverage. Families relying on these facilities could also feel the effects of any added insurance costs.

If enacted, child care providers would need proof of liability coverage at set minimum levels, which could affect their operating costs and, in turn, what they charge families. It also creates a baseline financial protection for injuries or property damage that occur at these facilities.

• Section 1 amends O.C.G.A. § 20-1A-10 by adding subsection (g.1), requiring child care learning centers and family child care learning homes to maintain commercial general liability insurance.
• Section 1 sets the required coverage at not less than $500,000 per single occurrence and $1 million in the aggregate.
• Section 2 makes the Act effective immediately upon the Governor's approval or upon becoming law without approval.
• Section 3 repeals any existing laws that conflict with the new requirement.

1. 2025-02-06House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-02-05House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-04House Hopper (House)

• Rick Townsend (R, HD-179)Primary sponsor
• Karen Mathiak (R, HD-082)
• Ron Stephens (R, HD-164)
• Bill Yearta (R, HD-152)
• Mike Cameron (R, HD-001)
• Kim Schofield (D, HD-063)

• child care regulation
• liability insurance
• early childhood education
• family child care homes