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California bills · 2025-2026 Regular Session

California SB 965

Public libraries: library cards.

  1. Introduced
  2. In committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To Governor
  6. Became law

Sponsors

Cosponsors (2)

Summary

Official abstract published by the California legislature· summary

Existing law declares that it is in the interest of the people and of the state to ensure that all people have free and convenient access to all library resources and services that might enrich their lives regardless of where they live or of the tax base of their local government. This bill would, beginning January 1, 2028, prohibit a public library from requiring the presence of a parent or guardian for the issuance of a library card to a California resident who is 16 or 17 years of age. The bill would authorize a public library to require a parent's or guardian's consent or signature for the issuance of a library card to a California resident who is 16 or 17 years of age unless the minor is emancipated. To the extent this bill would add to the duties of public libraries, the 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, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Text versions

Roll-call votes

State vote data last updated Oct 15, 2026, 12:03 AM.

DateVoteResultYour legislators
Aug 27, 2026
Senate		Special Consent SB965 Blakespear et al.passSet your home in California to see
Aug 13, 2026
House		SB 965 Blakespear Senate Third Reading By PatelpassSet your home in California to see
Aug 5, 2026
House		Do pass.passSet your home in California to see
Jun 17, 2026
House		Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]passSet your home in California to see
May 7, 2026
Senate		3rd ReadingpassSet your home in California to see
Apr 15, 2026
Senate		Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations]passSet your home in California to see

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