Appropriations committee hears hours of testimony on AB 495; panel refers bill to suspense file

The California State Senate Committee on Appropriations heard extensive public testimony on AB 495, an Assembly bill by Celeste Rodriguez that would revise the caregiver authorization affidavit and related protections for children, and the committee moved the bill to the suspense file for further fiscal review.

Supporters and opponents told the committee to focus on fiscal and safety concerns. Christian Belcher of the Department of Finance told the committee the bill likely "results in significant general fund costs not included in the 2025 budget act," estimating about $5,400,000 ongoing to the Department of Social Services for 29 positions and noting additional, unquantified costs for the Department of Education and possible trial-court impacts. After public testimony and brief discussion, the chair announced, "This is a suspense file candidate. So without objection, AB 495 will move to suspense."

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