Thousands converged at the State Capitol Tuesday, warning that AB 495’s expanded caregiver authority could sideline parents amid deportation or separation.
In a charged demonstration at the California State Capitol on Tuesday, thousands rallied against Assembly Bill 495—also known as the Family Preparedness Plan Act. Critics warn the legislation could erode parental authority by enabling many more adults, including non-relatives claiming mentoring relationships, to assume school and medical decision-making through a newly expanded caregiver affidavit system.
AB495, introduced by Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando), aims to update the longstanding Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit to account for family separations due to deportation, incarceration, military deployment, or medical emergencies. It would broaden eligibility to include extended family, friends, godparents, and mentors, and formalize a short-term joint guardianship process—without requiring parents to relinquish rights.
At the protest, Rick Ingram of Southern California, who joined demonstrators in Sacramento, urged Governor Newsom to veto the bill. “When you see a crowd like this, you understand right away. This is not a small issue. This is a big issue… We’re here to talk to Gavin Newsom and say, governor, please veto this bill,” according to KCRA.
Attorney Erin Friday echoed the concern more starkly, warning AB495 could grant virtually anyone the ability to enroll a child in school or consent to medical care with no parental signature.
“It’s just handing someone else’s child over to us, virtually a stranger … it’s horrifying.”
Supporters of the bill—including the Alliance for Children’s Rights and Public Counsel—argue that AB 495 addresses genuine needs by helping families plan for emergencies and ensuring affidavits are consistently honored by schools and healthcare providers.
However, parental-rights advocates, legal experts, and faith leaders counter that AB495 dangerously weakens fundamental rights. The California Family Council highlights that the bill explicitly removes the requirement for a parent’s signature or court approval on the affidavit—and cites California School Boards Association guidance indicating schools may release students to anyone presenting such an affidavit.
Pastor Jack Hibbs, who helped mobilize the rally via the Salem Radio Network’s KTVZ, dubbed the legislation “dangerous” and urged families to reconsider remaining in California should the bill pass.
Amid the growing outcry, AB495 has been placed in “suspense,” pausing its advancement in the Assembly Appropriations Committee pending further review.
