California bills · 2025-2026 Regular Session
California AB 1846
Dependency: placement of child with relative.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became law
Sponsors
- Stefani (Democratic)
Summary
Official abstract published by the California legislature· summary
Existing law establishes the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, which may adjudge a child to be a dependent of the court under certain circumstances, including when the child suffered, or there is a substantial risk that the child will suffer, serious physical harm, or a parent fails to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment. Existing law establishes the grounds for removal of a dependent child from the custody of their parents or guardian, and establishes procedures to determine placement of a child. Existing law requires, when a child has been adjudged a dependent of the court, the court to hold a dispositional hearing to determine the disposition to be made of the child. Under existing law, if the child is removed from the physical custody of their parents, preferential consideration to be given to a request by a relative of the child for placement of the child with the relative. Existing law prescribes factors for the county social worker and court to consider in determining placement, and requires the court to state on the record the reasons placement was denied if the court does not place the child with a relative who has been considered for placement.
This bill would require, if the court does not initially place the child with a relative who has been considered for placement, the court to state for the record the reasons why the placement with that relative was denied or delayed. The bill would require, except as specified, after the court conducts the dispositional hearing, the social worker to assess any relative who requests placement and who has not been previously assessed or found to be unsuitable. The bill would require, if the court has terminated reunification services prior to the relative's request for placement, the county social worker and the court to consider certain additional factors to consider in determining whether placement with the relative is appropriate, including, among others, the child's relationship with the current caregiver. By increasing the duties of county social workers, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Text versions
- 09/18/26 - Chaptered· Sep 18, 2026
- 09/02/26 - Enrolled· Sep 2, 2026
- 08/13/26 - Amended Senate· Aug 13, 2026
- 03/18/26 - Amended Assembly· Mar 18, 2026
- 02/11/26 - Introduced· Feb 11, 2026
- AB1846
Roll-call votes
State vote data last updated Oct 15, 2026, 8:06 AM.
Actions
- Sep 18, 2026 · Legislature
Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 276, Statutes of 2026. - Sep 18, 2026 · Legislature
Approved by the Governor. - Sep 8, 2026 · Legislature
Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3:30 p.m. - Aug 28, 2026 · House
Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 78. Noes 0. Page 6795.). - Aug 27, 2026 · House
In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. - Aug 27, 2026 · Senate
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.). - Aug 25, 2026 · Senate
Ordered to special consent calendar. - Aug 17, 2026 · Senate
Read second time. Ordered to third reading. - Aug 13, 2026 · Senate
Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading. - Aug 13, 2026 · Senate
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 13). - Aug 3, 2026 · Senate
In committee: Referred to APPR. suspense file. - Jun 29, 2026 · Senate
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 29). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. - Jun 10, 2026 · Senate
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on HUMAN S. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (June 9). Re-referred to Com. on HUMAN S. - May 6, 2026 · Senate
Referred to Coms. on JUD. and HUMAN S. - Apr 16, 2026 · Senate
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. - Apr 16, 2026 · House
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 68. Noes 0. Page 4682.) - Apr 9, 2026 · House
Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. - Apr 8, 2026 · House
From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (April 8). - Mar 25, 2026 · House
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (March 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. - Mar 19, 2026 · House
Re-referred to Com. on HUM. S. - Mar 18, 2026 · House
Read second time and amended. - Mar 17, 2026 · House
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on HUM. S. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (March 17). - Mar 2, 2026 · House
Referred to Coms. on JUD. and HUM. S. - Feb 12, 2026 · House
From printer. May be heard in committee March 14. - Feb 11, 2026 · House
Read first time. To print.