SB 965: Public libraries: library cards.
What SB 965 does, verified October 1, 2026
The bill aims to ensure free and convenient access to library resources and services for all California residents, regardless of their location or local tax base. It prohibits public libraries from requiring the presence of a parent or guardian to issue a library card to 16- or 17-year-old California residents. This change would add to the duties of public libraries, but the state would be responsible for reimbursing local agencies and school districts for the added costs.
Bill journey
✓IntroducedComplete
✓In CommitteeComplete
✓First Chamber FloorComplete
✓Second ChamberComplete
✓GovernorComplete
6ChapteredCurrent
Last action: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 737, Statutes of 2026. (2026-09-28)Alert me
Quick answers about SB 965
- What is the current status of SB 965?
- As of October 1, 2026, SB 965 is recorded as "Chaptered/Signed": it has been signed by the Governor and chaptered into law. The last recorded action, on September 28, 2026, was "Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 737, Statutes of 2026".
- Did SB 965 pass?
- Yes. SB 965 passed both houses and was signed into law (last action September 28, 2026). Most California bills signed in a given year take effect on January 1 of the following year, unless the bill carries an urgency clause or sets its own operative date.
- Who wrote SB 965, and where is it now?
- SB 965 was authored by Sen. Catherine Blakespear with 2 coauthors. It is filed under Education, alongside 462 other California Education bills this session.
Author and sponsors
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| Sep. 28, 2026 | Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 737, Statutes of 2026. |
| Sep. 28, 2026 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep. 02, 2026 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m. |
| Aug. 27, 2026 | Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Aug. 25, 2026 | Ordered to special consent calendar. |
Latest bill textChaptered version, September 28, 2026 · 411 words
Senate Bill No. 965
CHAPTER 737
An act to add Section 18732 to the Education Code, relating to libraries.
[ Approved by Governor September 28, 2026. Filed with Secretary of State September 28, 2026. ]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 965, Blakespear. 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 those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 18732 is added to the Education Code, immediately following Section 18731, to read:18732.
Beginning January 1, 2028, 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, however, a public library may 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.SEC. 2.
If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.Text of SB 965 as chaptered, from the official record. Connect Plus keeps every version and highlights what changed.Compare versions