To: Governor Gavin Newsom
From: Concerned Parents, Educators, Faith Leaders & Citizens of California
We urgently call on Governor Newsom to veto AB 495, a bill that hands legal access to children to nonrelatives—including coaches, mentors, teachers, and even strangers—without a parent’s knowledge or consent.
This bill is a nightmare for parents and a dream come true for traffickers.
AB 495 allows any adult to claim custody of a child simply by handing over a signed affidavit. That's it. No court order. No parental signature. No background check. No requirement to verify ID.
A teacher, coach, mentor, or even a casual acquaintance could claim they’re a “caregiver”—and suddenly they have the power to:
✅ Remove your child from school
✅ Take them to a doctor
✅ Approve medical exams and vaccinations
✅ Override your authority as a parent
“A parent’s signature… is not required.”
“No obligation to investigate the affidavit.”
“No ID required beyond Medi-Cal or Social Security number.”
This bill even redefines “family” to include nonrelatives—effectively writing parents out of the equation.
AB 495 removes accountability, eliminates oversight, and legalizes the transfer of children without consent. That’s not just bad law—it’s a state-enabled pathway for abuse and trafficking.
We, the undersigned, demand:
· • That Governor Newsom veto AB 495 immediately
· • That California lawmakers uphold parental rights as sacred and non-negotiable
· • That no child ever be handed over to a nonrelative without court review, parent consent, and full background checks
Add your name now. Help us protect California's children.
Parents are not optional. They are not the problem. They are the first and best defense against exploitation.
Governor Newsom: Say NO to AB 495. Protect our families. Veto this bill.