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