Oppose AB-495: Protect Children from Risk

Subject: Oppose AB-495: Protect Parental Rights and Prevent Child Trafficking Risks

My name is [Full Name], and I am writing as a concerned constituent to express my strong opposition to AB-495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025. This bill, while seemingly well-intentioned, poses significant risks to the safety and well-being of children by expanding caregiver authorization to nonrelative extended family members. This change could allow individuals without a direct familial relationship to make critical decisions about a child's medical and educational needs, potentially increasing the risk of unauthorized control and even child trafficking. The bill's provision that limits parental oversight is particularly troubling. By allowing a caregiver's decision to stand unless it endangers the child's life, health, or safety, AB-495 undermines parental authority and could prevent parents from intervening in crucial decisions. Furthermore, the legal protections for caregivers acting in good faith, even if their actions contradict the wishes of the child's legal guardians, reduce accountability and could lead to misuse of the caregiver's authorization affidavit. Additionally, the confidentiality of records related to joint guardianship appointments hinders transparency and oversight, making it difficult to verify the legitimacy of guardianship arrangements. This lack of transparency could be exploited for illicit purposes, further endangering children. In conclusion, AB-495's approach to expanding caregiver rights and limiting parental oversight is deeply flawed and could have unintended negative consequences. I urge you to oppose this bill to protect the rights and safety of children and their families. Thank you for considering my concerns. Sincerely,