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SB-965 • 2026

Public libraries: library cards.

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
2026-04-24
Official status
Set for hearing May 4.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The exact details about reimbursement to libraries depend on a decision by the Commission on State Mandates and are not fully specified in the provided official source material.

Library Cards for Teenagers

This law stops public libraries from needing a parent or guardian to get a library card if you are 16 or 17 years old in California.

What This Bill Does

  • It says that teenagers aged 16 and 17 can get their own library cards without a parent or guardian being there.
  • Public libraries must follow this rule for anyone who is 16 or 17 and lives in California.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Teenagers aged 16 and 17 in California
  • Public libraries in California

Terms To Know

state-mandated local program
A program that the state requires local governments to run, which might need extra money from the state.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not say how libraries will handle younger teenagers or other age groups.
  • It is unclear if there are any specific costs for public libraries because of this new rule.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-24 California Legislative Information

    Set for hearing May 4.

  2. 2026-04-22 California Legislative Information

    Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  3. 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).

  4. 2026-04-09 California Legislative Information

    Set for hearing April 15.

  5. 2026-04-08 California Legislative Information

    Re-referred to Com. on ED.

  6. 2026-03-25 California Legislative Information

    From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on RLS.

  7. 2026-02-11 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on RLS.

  8. 2026-02-04 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 6.

  9. 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 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. 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