I think this section of the law might help clear up some of the confusion, or maybe not. Anyway, I think the section in bold states pilots can still be hired without an ATP as long as they have an ATP three years after the enactment. Three years after the enactment a pilot must have an ATP to be hired. I've reread the section several times, but I don't see anything which says effective immediately all new hires must now have ATP's.

(2) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS-
(A) PROSPECTIVE FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS- Rules issued under paragraph (1) shall ensure that prospective flight crewmembers undergo comprehensive preemployment screening, including an assessment of the skills, aptitudes, airmanship, and suitability of each applicant for a position as a flight crewmember in terms of functioning effectively in the air carrier’s operational environment.
(B) ALL FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS- Rules issued under paragraph (1) shall ensure that, after the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, all flight crewmembers--
(i) have obtained an airline transport pilot certificate under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations