CaliforniaCalifornia teens could get library cards without a parent present
Starting in 2028, California teens ages 16 and 17 could apply for public library cards without bringing a parent or guardian, though consent may still be required.
What it does
Teens ages 16 and 17 would not have to bring a parent or guardian to get a public library card. Libraries could still require parental consent or a signature, unless the teen is emancipated.
If the state finds that the act requires local agencies or school districts to incur costs, those agencies could receive reimbursement under state procedures.
Argument forTeens could get a library card without bringing a parent or guardian to the library, making card applications easier for some families.
Argument againstA library could still require a parent’s or guardian’s consent or signature, which might make getting a card harder for some teens.
More detail
Public libraries would not be allowed to require a parent or guardian to be present when issuing a library card. This applies to California residents who are 16 or 17 years old and apply for a public library card. A library may still require a parent’s or guardian’s consent or signature unless the teen is emancipated. This rule would begin January 1, 2028.
The state would reimburse local agencies and school districts if the Commission on State Mandates finds that the act requires them to incur costs. The reimbursement provision covers local agencies and school districts. Reimbursement depends on the Commission on State Mandates determining that the act contains costs mandated by the state.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 28Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 737, Statutes of 2026.Latest
- Sep 28Approved by the Governor Gavin Newsom.Became Law
- Sep 2Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.To Governor
- Aug 27Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 5981.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.Major
- Vote recorded Special Consent SB965 Blakespear et al. Result: pass.Upper
- Aug 25Ordered to special consent calendar.
- Aug 13In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
- Vote recorded SB 965 Blakespear Senate Third Reading By Patel. Result: pass.Lower
- Aug 13Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 68. Noes 2. Page 6150.) Ordered to the Senate.Passed Assembly
- Aug 6Read second time. Ordered to third reading.Minor
- Aug 5From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (August 5).Minor
- Vote recorded Do pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Aug 5Coauthors revised.
- Jun 22Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.Major
- Jun 18From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (June 17).Major
- Jun 17
- Vote recorded Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]. Result: pass.Lower
- May 26From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on ED.Major
- May 18Referred to Com. on ED.Minor
- May 7In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.Minor
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- May 7Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 35. Noes 0. Page 4163.) Ordered to the Assembly.Passed Senate
- May 5Read second time. Ordered to third reading.Minor
- May 4From committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8.Minor
- Apr 24Set for hearing May 4.
- Apr 22Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.Major
- Apr 21From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0. Page 3898.) (April 15).Major
- Apr 15
- Vote recorded Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations]. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 9Set for hearing April 15.
- Apr 8Re-referred to Com. on ED.Minor
- Mar 25From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on RLS.Major
- Feb 11Referred to Com. on RLS.Minor
- Feb 4From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 6.
- Feb 3Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.Introduced
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