October 14, 2025 - SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 495, the 
Family Preparedness Plan Act, authored by Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando). This bill is a priority for the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and the California Latino Legislative Caucus, and is sponsored by Public Counsel, the Alliance for Children’s Rights, and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). The signing took place yesterday, October 12, 2025.
AB 495 will ensure that K-12 schools follow the most up-to-date policies to protect students and employees from immigration enforcement. It will create a new temporary joint guardianship through probate court and require the Attorney General to issue model policies that limit assistance with immigration enforcement at childcare facilities and preschool programs.
“I am grateful that the Governor has signed AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, into law. This is a crucial step toward protecting children and families at a time when they are facing the terror of separation. By creating additional protections and tools that strengthen parental rights and community preparedness, we are ensuring that no child is left without a safety net and are reinforcing California’s commitment to safety and compassion for all families,” said Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez. “This victory would not have been possible without the tireless advocacy of our bill sponsors, partners, and the many community supporters who stood with us every step of the way. Together, we are sending a message to immigrant and mixed-status families that in California, you are seen, and we will do all in our power to protect you from the trauma of family separation.”
"We are grateful to Governor Newsom for signing AB 495 into law and to Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez for standing with immigrant families. Too many parents live with the quiet fear of what will happen to their children if they are suddenly taken from them. AB 495 gives those families peace of mind, a way to prepare, to protect their children, and to keep love and stability at the center of their lives even in moments of crisis. CHIRLA proudly co-sponsored this bill because every child deserves safety, and every parent deserves to plan for their family's future with dignity and hope," stated Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA).
“I’m grateful that parents now have more options to plan for the horrible possibility they might be separated from their children and thank Assemblyperson Celeste Rodriguez for her brave leadership on this issue,” said Sharon Balmer Cartagena, Public Counsel’s Directing Attorney, Child, Youth & Family Advocacy Project. “However, this law is only a bandage for a problem that does not need to exist. Public Counsel urges the federal government to respect the law, to stop separating families, and to give our immigrant friends and neighbors the opportunity to present their cases in court instead of disappearing them without due process.”
"Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of AB 495 authored by Assemblywoman Rodriguez, supports California families by providing options when they are facing separation," said Kristin Power, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the Alliance for Children's Rights. “Our children deserve stability and care from the people who know and love them most. This legislation empowers families and protects parents’ rights to make the best choices for their children, while ensuring that young people continue to learn and thrive in school."
AB 495 will go into effect January 1, 2026. To learn more about AB 495, visit https://a43.asmdc.org/ab-495.
Assemblywoman Rodriguez represents the 43rd Assembly District, which includes the City of San Fernando and communities across the Northeast San Fernando Valley, including Arleta, Sun Valley, Sylmar, Pacoima, Panorama City, North Hollywood, Valley Glen, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, and North Hills.
Source: Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez
