California Families Rally to Stop AB 495, a Bill Threatening Parental Rights and Child Safety
A California bill, AB 495, dubbed the “Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025,” is raising serious concerns among parents, faith leaders, and advocacy groups. Currently under review in the Senate Appropriations Committee, the bill is being criticized for potentially undermining parental rights and creating significant risks to child safety. Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, alongside other advocates, is sounding the alarm, calling it one of the most dangerous pieces of legislation ever proposed in the state.
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What is AB 495?
Introduced by Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando), AB 495 aims to support immigrant and mixed-status families by allowing caregivers to assume temporary custody of children in cases of parental detention or deportation. The bill expands the use of a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit, enabling a “nonrelative extended family member”—defined loosely as anyone with a “mentoring relationship” with the child—to take custody through a simple one-page form. This process requires no background checks, court oversight, or parental consent, raising fears of potential misuse.
Supporters, including Rodriguez, argue that the bill ensures children are not left vulnerable during immigration-related emergencies, providing caregivers legal authority to enroll children in school or access medical care. However, critics, including the California Family Council and parental rights advocates, warn that the bill’s vague language and lack of safeguards could enable child trafficking or unauthorized custody transfers. Attorney Erin Friday called it “a child trafficker’s and kidnapper’s dream bill,” emphasizing the absence of verification or oversight.
Alarming Provisions
The bill’s critics highlight several alarming provisions:
- 1. No Background Checks or Verification: Any adult claiming a “mentoring relationship” can assume custody without vetting or parental notification.
- 2. Bypassing Legal Safeguards: Unlike existing guardianship processes, which require court oversight, AB 495 relies solely on a signed affidavit, potentially allowing strangers to take control of a child.
- 3. Broad Application: While promoted as a solution for immigrant families, the bill’s language applies to all children, not just those affected by immigration issues, creating universal risks.
- 4. Confidentiality Clauses: The bill makes guardianship proceedings confidential and prohibits sharing information with federal immigration authorities, which some argue could hinder accountability.
Pastor Jack Hibbs has described AB 495 as a “meat market bill” that could facilitate child trafficking, urging parents to consider leaving California if it passes. “Your child’s safety is number one,” he stated, calling for a massive turnout at a rally to oppose the bill.
Rally and Lobby Day: August 19
In response to AB 495, Pastor Hibbs, joined by organizations like Real Impact and Capitol Resource Institute, is organizing a “NO on AB 495 Rally and Lobby Day” on August 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM on the West Steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The event will feature Hibbs as the keynote speaker, alongside Heidi St. John and Jonathan Keller of the California Family Council. Organizers are aiming for at least 5,000 attendees to send a strong message to lawmakers.
Hibbs, who previously rallied thousands to the Capitol in 2022 to oppose another controversial bill, emphasized the urgency: “This is the hill to die on. Your attendance matters!” The California Family Council echoed this sentiment, stating, “Compassion without guardrails is not mercy, it is madness.”
Community Reaction
The bill has sparked significant outrage, where people, including Gentry Gevers have amplified Hibbs’ call to action. Gevers urged Californians to share the message, vote in local elections, and make the issue go viral, stressing the importance of protecting parental rights. Others have labeled AB 495 as “bureaucratic overreach” and a threat to family sovereignty, reflecting widespread concern among parents and advocates.
Take Action Now
With AB 495 moving closer to a vote, the time to act is now. Concerned citizens are encouraged to:
- Attend the Rally: Join thousands at the California State Capitol on August 19, to oppose AB 495.
- Contact Lawmakers: Reach out to your state representatives, particularly those on the Senate Appropriations Committee, to voice your concerns.
- Spread the Word: Share information about AB 495 with friends, family, and community members to raise awareness.
- Vote Locally: As Gevers noted, local elections play a critical role in shaping legislation like AB 495. Stay informed and vote for candidates who prioritize parental rights and child safety.
For more details on the bill, visit the California Family Council’s website or track its progress on LegiScan.
California’s families deserve laws that protect, not endanger, their children. Join the movement to stop AB 495 and safeguard parental rights.
