California SB965: Public libraries: library cards.

What the bill says

An act to add Section 18732 to the Education Code, relating to libraries. libraries 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…

From the chaptered text, September 28, 2026:

An act to add Section 18732 to the Education Code, relating to libraries. libraries 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, 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 unless the minor is emancipated. 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 …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Catherine Blakespear (D, SD38) · primary sponsor
• Christopher Cabaldon (D, SD03)
• Susan Rubio (D, SD22)

Latest actions

1. September 28, 2026: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 737, Statutes of 2026.
2. September 28, 2026: Approved by the Governor.
3. September 2, 2026: Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.
4. August 27, 2026: Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 5981.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
5. August 27, 2026: Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
6. August 25, 2026: Ordered to special consent calendar.
7. August 13, 2026: Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 68. Noes 2. Page 6150.) Ordered to the Senate.
8. August 13, 2026: In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
9. August 13, 2026: Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate.
10. August 6, 2026: Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

Votes

• Special Consent SB965 Blakespear et al. (August 27, 2026): 40 yea, 0 nay, passed
• SB 965 Blakespear Senate Third Reading By Patel (August 13, 2026): 68 yea, 2 nay, passed
• Do pass. (August 5, 2026): 15 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] (June 17, 2026): 8 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate 3rd Reading SB965 Blakespear (May 7, 2026): 35 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations] (April 15, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB965?

SB965 is a bill in the California Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Public libraries: library cards.

What does SB965 do?

In its own words: An act to add Section 18732 to the Education Code, relating to libraries. libraries 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…

What is the status of SB965?

Chaptered as of September 28, 2026. Latest action: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 737, Statutes of 2026. (September 28, 2026).

Who sponsored SB965?

Catherine Blakespear (D, SD38), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB965?

On the California Legislature website: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB965