California lawmakers are advancing Assembly Bill 495 (AB 495), a proposal that critics argue would significantly erode parental rights by allowing third parties to assume guardianship of children without parental consent or notification.
Formally titled the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, AB 495 aims to create a contingency plan for the children of illegal immigrants who may be detained or deported in immigration enforcement actions.
Under the bill’s current language, any adult claiming a mentoring or oversight relationship could obtain guardianship by submitting a form—without needing approval from the child’s legal parent or guardian.
The bill has raised alarms among parent advocacy groups, faith leaders and conservative organizations, who say the measure goes beyond its stated purpose and opens the door to exploitation.
Concerns have been raised about the ease with which guardianship could be transferred and the potential for third parties—possibly strangers—to make medical decisions for minors, including authorization for procedures such as abortions or gender-related treatments.
“This is the end of [parental rights],” Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills said in a sermon delivered to parishioners on July 30, according to RedState. “If this bill passes, I’m going to ask you [parents] to leave the state of California.”
“You’re going to have to pack up and you’re gonna have to get out. You gotta get out. You gotta run with your kids. You gotta go.”
The California State Assembly passed AB 495 earlier this year. It is now under consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Should it pass out of committee, it will proceed to the full Senate for a vote.
Due to the Democratic supermajority in the legislature, the bill is widely expected to pass.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has not stated whether he intends to sign or veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.
The bill modifies portions of the California Family Code, a change proponents argue is necessary to protect children at risk of being separated from their illegal immigrant parents during immigration raids.
Critics contend the changes are too broad and expose both U.S. citizen and non-citizen children to risks including abduction or trafficking.
Hibbs warned his congregation that the bill “100% strips parents of their parental rights” and called on Californians to take direct action.
He urged families to rally at the State Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 19, the day after the legislature reconvenes from summer recess.
Organizers have reportedly arranged for demonstrators to occupy the Capitol steps for the day, RedState notes.
“You’ve got to go to Sacramento and stand for righteousness, and to do the right thing,” Hibbs said. “It’s time for us to get righteously angry.”
The bill also permits the temporary guardian to make decisions regarding a child’s health care and education. That includes access to medical or dental services without parental notification.
If signed into law, AB 495 would mark another high-profile legislative move in California affecting parental involvement in decisions related to children’s education, health and welfare.
The bill has become a flashpoint for conservative parents who previously pushed back against mandates related to COVID-19 vaccinations and gender-related school policies.
Hibbs concluded his remarks with a stark warning: “Listen to me when I say, get ready to leave.”
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