SB-965 • 2026

Public libraries: library cards.

Education Parental Rights Taxes

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Blakespear
Last action: 2026-05-26
Official status: From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on ED.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide specific details on how much money will be given to libraries or if all public libraries will follow the law immediately.

Library Cards for Teenagers

This law says public libraries in California cannot require a parent or guardian to be present when giving library cards to teenagers aged 16 and 17, but they can ask for a parent's consent.

What This Bill Does

Allows 16- and 17-year-old Californians to get their own library card without needing a parent or guardian there in person starting January 1, 2028.
Lets libraries still need a parent’s agreement or signature for teenagers getting a library card if they want it.

Who It Names or Affects

Public libraries in California
Teenagers aged 16 and 17 who live in California

Terms To Know

state-mandated local program: A task that the state government requires local governments or agencies to do.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how much money will be given back to libraries for extra work.
It is unclear if all public libraries in California will follow this law right away.

Bill History

2026-05-26 California Legislative Information
From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on ED.
2026-05-18 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on ED.
2026-05-07 California Legislative Information
In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
2026-05-07 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 35. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly.
2026-05-05 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2026-05-04 California Legislative Information
From committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8.
2026-04-24 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing May 4.
2026-04-22 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-21 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (April 15).
2026-04-09 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing April 15.
2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on ED.
2026-03-25 California Legislative Information
From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on RLS.
2026-02-11 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on RLS.
2026-02-04 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 6.
2026-02-03 California Legislative Information
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 965, as amended, Blakespear.
Public libraries: library cards.
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
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.
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.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF