Overview

• AB 495, known as the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, expands the definition of “caregiver” to include nonrelative adults with established familial or mentoring ties to a child.
• Under the measure, caregivers could take custody of a child at schools or childcare centers by presenting a simple affidavit, gaining rights to enroll the child and authorize medical or dental care without parental consent or background checks.
• The bill passed the Assembly 62–7 on June 3 and cleared two Senate committees in early July before being referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee for an Aug. 18 hearing.
• Pastor Jack Hibbs and the California Family Council have organized a “Stop AB 495 Rally” on Aug. 19, warning that the proposal strips parents of fundamental rights and could place children at risk.
• Supporters argue the legislation would protect children of detained or deported parents by streamlining temporary guardianships, but critics say it bypasses court oversight and undermines parental authority.