Oct. 14, 2025
Newsom signs law expanding caregiver rights for families facing separation
AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, expands caregiver authorization rights to help families avoid court when parents face sudden absences, such as detention or deportation. The bill drew backlash from parental-rights groups who warned it could allow non-parents to authorize gender-affirming surgery or other treatments.
Setting the stage for a potential legal battle, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday signed a bill aimed at keeping children with trusted caregivers when parents face sudden absences -- such as through immigration detention or deportation.
AB 495, by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, D-San Fernando, expands who can use caregiver authorization affidavits, standardizes recognition across schools and agencies, and creates options for limited, joint guardianship. The law, dubbed the...
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$795 for an entire year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In