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Not at this time

The California Republican Assembly (CRA) stands firmly in opposition to Assembly Bill 495, dubbed the “Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025,” which poses a serious threat to parental rights, child safety, and the integrity of our family structures. While framed as a compassionate measure to support immigrant families facing sudden separations, this bill dangerously undermines fundamental protections for children.

Authored by Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez, AB 495 seeks to redefine guardianship in a way that opens the door for individuals with no legitimate connection to children to assume control over their welfare. This alarming shift is cloaked in the guise of empathy but poses considerable risks to child safety. The vague terminology used in the bill, particularly regarding “nonrelative extended family members,” expands eligibility to a broad category of individuals, allowing anyone with minimal identification to take charge of a child’s life without rigorous verification.

Opponents of the bill, including experienced attorneys and advocates for parental rights, have rightfully dubbed it a “dream bill” for child traffickers and kidnappers. The absence of background checks and judicial oversight within the legislation raises urgent red flags. Scenarios where individuals with malicious intent could simply present an ID and remove a child are not just hypothetical; they represent a troubling reality under AB 495.

Erin Friday, a prominent voice against this legislation, highlights the potential crisis succinctly: “Presto, someone walks away with your child.” This chilling potential is magnified by the fact that the bill’s application is not restricted to immigration situations but extends universally, allowing strangers to make critical decisions affecting a child’s medical care, education, and well-being.

Nicole Pearson’s testimony underscores that the implications of AB 495 are not mere exaggerations. The concept of a non-relative being able to authorize medical treatment or remove a child from school without parental consent is a violation of parental rights and opens the door to unchecked abuse. Traditional safeguards, such as home visits, background checks, and court oversight, are glaringly absent in this proposal.

The assertion that AB 495 offers a compassionate solution to immigrant families is misleading. California already possesses legal frameworks for temporary guardianship that prioritize child safety while addressing the complexities that arise during family crises. This bill, rather than enhancing protections, seeks to dismantle existing safeguards by providing a shortcut that disregards essential oversight mechanisms.

“Compassion without guardrails is not an act of mercy—it is a recipe for chaos, endangerment, and potential tragedy”, declared Craig DeLuz, Dir. of Communications for CRA. “It is time for a reevaluation of not just the intent behind AB 495, but also its consequences, before it’s too late.”

The CRA calls for all Californians to recognize the gravity of this proposed legislation. While compassion is important in times of crisis, it must be coupled with appropriate protections that ensure the safety and welfare of our children. Compassion without controls is not an act of mercy; it is a pathway to potential chaos and danger.

We urge lawmakers and citizens alike to critically assess the true consequences of AB 495 and to advocate for a more thoughtful approach to supporting families in need—one that safeguards our children from unwarranted authority.