Fact check: What was the legislative process behind passing California Assembly Bill 495?

1. Summary of the results

California Assembly Bill 495, also known as the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, was introduced by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez and co-authored by several other assembly members ^[1]. The bill aims to expand caregiver rights for children separated from parents, particularly focusing on protecting immigrant families and their children ^[1].

Legislative Progress:

• The bill has progressed 50% through the legislative process as of the analysis date ^[2]
• The most recent legislative action was a 'Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR.' vote in the Senate on July 8, 2025 ^[2]
• The bill underwent its most recent amendment on April 23, 2025 ^[1]
• As of the analysis, the bill was pending in the Senate Appropriations Committee with a scheduled hearing on August 18, 2025 ^[2]
• The bill has been referred to various committees throughout the process ^[1]

Key Provisions:

• Establishes a new joint guardianship process and expands the use of caregiver authorization affidavits ^[1]
• Expands the type of person who can execute a caregiver's authorization affidavit ^[1]
• Authorizes courts to appoint joint guardians ^[1]
• Limits assistance with immigration enforcement at public schools and child day care facilities ^[1]
• Prohibits collecting information or documents regarding citizenship or immigration status of pupils or their family members ^[1]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question focuses solely on the legislative process but omits significant public opposition and controversy surrounding the bill. Thousands of people rallied against the bill outside the Capitol, citing concerns about child safety and potential misuse of the caregiver's authorization affidavit ^{[3] [4]}.

Opposition concerns include:

• Potential misuse of the caregiver authorization affidavit ^[3]
• Risks to children's safety ^[4]
• General concerns about the bill's provisions expanding guardianship rights

Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to help families facing separation due to immigration enforcement actions ^[4]. The bill has received support from several organizations and individuals ^[1], though specific names of supporting organizations are not detailed in the analyses.

The bill is gaining national attention ^[4], indicating its significance extends beyond California's borders. This broader context suggests the legislation could serve as a model for other states or influence federal immigration policy discussions.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains no apparent misinformation or bias. It is a straightforward factual inquiry about the legislative process behind AB 495. The question is neutral and seeks procedural information rather than making claims about the bill's merits or drawbacks.

However, the question's narrow focus on just the legislative process could be seen as incomplete since it doesn't acknowledge the significant public controversy and opposition that has characterized this bill's journey through the legislature ^{[3] [4]}. A more comprehensive understanding would include both the procedural aspects and the contentious public debate surrounding the legislation.