Stop AB 495 — Protect Parental Rights

Media
Aug 10
2 min read

Parents — not politicians, bureaucrats, or strangers — should be making decisions for their children. But California’s Legislature is once again attacking that basic truth.

Assembly Bill 495, now moving through the State Senate, would allow unrelated adults — including neighbors, former acquaintances, or even complete strangers — to assume temporary custody of your child without your knowledge or consent. No background check. No court order. No parent’s signature. Just a piece of paper.

Despite what you may hear, this bill is not about immigration. It’s about handing over critical parental decision-making to unvetted strangers under the guise of compassion.

This bill would allow so-called “non-relative extended family members” — which could include neighbors, former acquaintances, or even complete strangers — to sign a caregiver affidavit and make school and healthcare decisions for your child — without your knowledge or consent.

Parental rights are foundational. AB 495 doesn’t just erode them — it steamrolls them. It circumvents the role of parents in critical decision-making, bypasses normal safeguards, and opens the door to confusion, abuse, and potential exploitation. That’s why legal experts, parental advocacy groups, and child welfare organizations are sounding the alarm.

Where the bill is now:

AB 495 has passed through the Assembly and is now in the California State Senate. This is our chance to stop it.

Take Action — Contact Your State Senator and Tell Them to Vote NO on AB 495:

Sen. Steve Padilla (D – 18th District) Contact Page Chula Vista: (619) 409-7690

Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D – 38th District) Contact Page Encinitas: (760) 642-0809

Sen. Toni Atkins (D – 39th District) Contact Page San Diego: (619) 688-6700

Sen. Brian Jones (R – 40th District) Contact Page Scripps Ranch: (858) 547-3818

This is about preserving the rights of parents to raise their children without government interference or ideological agendas. Every child deserves the protection of their parents — not policies that sideline them.

Make your voice heard today.