Sacramento Voters Protest New Law on Caregivers for Minors
Sacramento, California. – On Tuesday, voters from various parts of California gathered on the steps of the state Capitol to voice their opposition to a new law concerning caregiver roles that could potentially involve Rev. Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills.
Braving the summer heat, participants made their way to the Capitol by bus, plane, and car to challenge AB 495, known as the 2025 Family Preparation Planning Act. Introduced in February by Democrat Celeste Rodriguez, the bill has drawn significant criticism. Many voters expressed concerns about the bill’s wording and the risk of minors being exploited by human traffickers.
AB 495 aims to broaden the pool of individuals eligible to serve as caregivers, including non-relatives. According to the proposed legislation, these new caregivers could make decisions regarding “school-related healthcare” without the school or healthcare providers facing liability.
A call to action from Hibbs during church services in July encouraged attendees to rally in Sacramento. He emphasized the importance of this issue, urging people to take part in the protest on Capitol steps. “We need to fight against bills that could harm kids,” Hibbs appealed.
While the new law could impact all children in California, Democrats claim it is designed to provide support to immigrant families who might face deportation or detention. However, many fear that the affidavits required from caregivers—whether related or not—allow them to gather basic information about minors without needing to inform or get consent from parents. The affidavit states that only a driver’s license or similar identification is necessary, and notably, parental signatures are not required for school or medical staff.
Hibbs described his disapproval of the law as a moral stance, stating, “It’s simply wrong.” He expressed concern for children, reiterating that whether children are here legally or not, they are still kids deserving of protection. “This bill poses a real danger to children,” he warned.
In response to the protestors, Democrats argue that the bill aims to shield families from being torn apart without proper planning. Imelda Padilla, a Los Angeles City Council member, praised Rodriguez’s leadership in supporting this measure and emphasized the need for families to have a plan in place.
In recent years, some states have seen increased federal raids on immigrant communities, particularly in response to former President Trump’s policies. These measures have created an environment of fear among immigrant families, with ongoing exploitation of vulnerable individuals surfacing in various reports.
Hibbs also acknowledged that while California is largely Democratic, not all lawmakers have lost sight of their principles. He believes there are Democrats who genuinely care about protecting children, stating, “I think some of them are worried about the bill’s implications.” With elections approaching, he called for more engaged participation from party members on both sides.
During the rally, GOP leaders like California Sen. Tony Strickland voiced concerns about the potential for the bill to be exploited by traffickers. He warned that it could open doors for predators, making it too easy for unrelated individuals to take custody of children without parental consent. Strickland noted it as one of the worst pieces of legislation he had seen after 15 years of political involvement.
Supporters like Leslie Sawyer from the group Moms for Liberty were also vocal at the rally. They argued that the bill’s vague language endangers children’s safety, allowing them to be removed from parental control under questionable circumstances.
Attempts to engage with lawmakers about amendments to the affidavit went unanswered. Young, another advocacy member, reflected on their lack of response to proposals for changes, indicating a troubling disconnect between lawmakers and concerned citizens.
Rodriguez responded to inquiries about the criticisms, asserting that the affidavit does not grant legal custody or bypass child welfare protections, emphasizing that concerns about the law facilitating trafficking are unfounded. She portrayed the bill as a necessary tool for helping families remain united during crises.
After the rally, attendees made their way into the Capitol to lobby against the bill. However, many noted that they were unable to meet with Rodriguez, as she was reportedly in a meeting during the protests. The future of AB 495 remains uncertain for now, as it was suspended for further evaluation of its financial impact.
