Pastor in California advises families to leave the state if the caregiver bill AB 495 is approved

California Pastors Urge Families to Leave Over Controversial Bill

In California, a group of pastors is encouraging families to consider leaving the state if a new bill, which broadens caregiver rights for children, is enacted. Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills expressed serious concerns during an interview, labeling the proposed legislation as one of the most dangerous laws to emerge from the state. “If this bill passes, we will have to grab the child and leave the state for child protection,” he warned.

Hibbs is rallying supporters at the Capitol in Sacramento to oppose AB 495, also referred to as the Family Preparation Planning Act. The bill aims to protect immigrant children facing potential family separation due to immigration enforcement.

If approved, the bill would allow caregivers—defined as relatives or individuals with established connections to the child—to sign approval affidavits for school-related matters and healthcare decisions. However, Hibbs and others think this broad language could undermine parental authority over their children’s medical decisions related to school.

Critics argue that the bill does not mandate thorough investigations or checks of the caregivers’ backgrounds, which could leave room for abuse. The only requirement for the affidavit is providing a driver’s license number, although a Social Security number is also acceptable.

A legal advisor consulted by Hibbs described the bill as facilitating conditions that could exploit children. He warned about the potential for similar legislation to spread to other liberal states if this one is passed and signed into law.

Hibbs noted that California’s existing education code already has provisions to protect immigrant students, raising questions about the necessity for this new law.

Amid these tensions, he asserts the need for Gov. Gavin Newsom to take a stand against the bill. “This is where Newsom has to be stopped,” Hibbs emphasized, urging that if the bill becomes law, it reflects a disregard for parental rights and federal regulations.

In response to the backlash, AB 495 sponsor, Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, clarified that the legislation does not change legal custody definitions in California.