Public libraries: library cards.

Header changed from amendment tracking dates (Amended in Assembly June 22, 2026, etc.) to final passage dates: Passed the Senate August 27, 2026 and Passed the Assembly August 13, 2026.

Line numbers (line 1 through line 19) were removed from the statutory text, which is standard when a bill moves to its enrolled form.

The REVISIONS note at the bottom of the prior version was removed, as it is no longer needed in the final enrolled text.

A gubernatorial approval block (Approved ___, 2026, Governor) was added to the end of the bill.

Added an exception: a public library may require a parent's or guardian's consent or signature for a 16- or 17-year-old's library card only if the minor is not emancipated. Emancipated minors are now explicitly exempt from any parental requirement.

Senators Cabaldon and Rubio were added as coauthors of the bill.

Added an effective date of January 1, 2028, delaying when the prohibition on requiring parent/guardian presence takes effect.

Added explicit authorization for public libraries to require a parent's or guardian's consent or signature (as opposed to physical presence) for library card issuance to 16- and 17-year-old residents.

Removed the legislative intent statement that the Legislature intended to resolve issues related to liability in the case of lost, stolen, or missing books.

Removed a separate section (labeled 'SECTION 1') that stated the Legislature's intent to enact legislation to expand access to public library cards. This was an aspirational provision pointing to future legislation and is no longer part of the bill.

The fiscal committee designation changed from 'no' to 'yes,' meaning the bill now requires review by the Senate Fiscal Committee before passage.

The state-mandated local program designation changed from 'no' to 'yes,' acknowledging that the bill imposes costs on local libraries that may trigger reimbursement obligations under the California Constitution.

New Section 18732(a) of the Education Code prohibits public libraries 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.

New Section 18732(b) states legislative intent to resolve issues related to liability in the case of lost, stolen, or missing books, signaling future legislation on this topic.

New Section 2 requires that if the Commission on State Mandates determines the act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

Fiscal committee review changed from 'no' to 'yes' and state-mandated local program changed from 'no' to 'yes', reflecting the new substantive obligations imposed on local libraries.