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SB 965

Public libraries: library cards.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Catherine Blakespear

SB 965 allows 16–17 year olds in California to obtain a public library card without a parent or guardian present, broadening teen library access.

From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on ED.
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Bill Summary · SB 965

Summary of SB 965 (Session 2025-2026) — Public Libraries: Library Cards

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks to expand access to public library services in California.
  • Specifically, it adds a new provision to ensure that public libraries do not require the presence of a parent or guardian for issuing a library card to California residents who are 16 or 17 years old.
  • The sponsor indicates an intent to address issues related to liability for lost, stolen, or missing books, though the primary statutory change is about library card issuance for minors.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • New Education Code section added: 18732
    • (a) A public library shall not require 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.
    • (b) The Legislature expresses its intent to resolve issues related to liability in the case of lost, stolen, or missing books.
  • Administrative and fiscal notes
    • The bill indicates that it would impose a state-mandated local program by expanding duties of public libraries.
    • If the California Commission on State Mandates determines the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs would be made under existing mandate reimbursement procedures (Government Code Part 7, Division 4, Title 2).

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Public libraries in California (the clarification applies to all public libraries operating in the state).
  • California residents aged 16 and 17 who seek a library card would no longer be required to produce a parent or guardian to obtain the card.
  • Local agencies and school districts could be affected to the extent the measure is deemed a state-mandated local program, with potential reimbursement rules if mandated costs are confirmed by the Commission on State Mandates.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Bill number and session: SB 965, 2025–2026 Regular Session, California Legislature.
  • Introduced: February 3, 2026 by Senator Blakespear (co-sponsor: Catherine Blakespear).
  • Committee referrals and actions:
    • Referred to the Senate Committee on Rules (RLS) on February 4, 2026.
    • Referred to the Senate Education Committee (ED) on April 8, 2026, and subsequently amended.
    • From ED, back to Rules, then to Appropriations.
    • As of April 21, 2026, the committee “Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR” with a 7-0 vote (Ayes 7, Noes 0) in the committee of origin.
  • Fiscal considerations:
    • The bill’s summary notes no direct appropriation, but it contemplates potential state-mandated local costs and reimbursement mechanisms if costs are deemed mandated.
  • Effective date: The text provided does not include an explicit effective date; standard practice would set an operative date after enactment (often 90 days after enactment unless specified).

5) Practical Impact and Considerations

  • Access: Likely to increase library card access for teens aged 16–17, reducing barriers related to guardian presence.
  • Liabilities and responsibilities: The bill’s language acknowledges liability considerations for lost/stolen/missing books, suggesting concurrent policy discussions or guidance may accompany the expansion.
  • Local government costs: If costs are deemed mandated by the state, local governments may receive reimbursement under the state mandate framework.

6) Bottom Line

SB 965 aims to broaden access to library services for older teens by removing the requirement for parental or guardian presence when issuing library cards to 16- and 17-year-old California residents. It also signals attention to related liability issues and potential state-mandated local costs, with reimbursement mechanisms if applicable.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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