Bill would let 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds obtain library cards without parent present, advocates say

Sen. Blake Spear introduced SB965 to eliminate a requirement that a parent be physically present for a 16‑ or 17‑year‑old to obtain a public library card. "The requirement that I physically go to the library with him is burdensome and outdated and presents an unnecessary barrier to library use for youth," Spear said, describing a personal example.

Alicia Temby, principal and U.S. history teacher at the Grower School in Encinitas, told the committee that requiring a parent's in‑person signature prevents 30–50% of her students from getting library cards needed for assigned research projects and forces reliance on less‑robust online sources. Student Esme McCreery described scheduling conflicts that left her unable to obtain a card and said she could not complete an assignment to the same standard without library access.

Multiple education organizations and unions registered support for SB965, and the California Library Association told the committee it had rescinded its opposed position and was neutral on the May 26 version, praising committee amendments that address emancipated youth and local implementation concerns. The committee moved the bill as amended to the Appropriations Committee; roll calls recorded votes in favor and the bill was reported out of committee (final recorded tally in the hearing record was 8–0).

The bill preserves local control over other library policies — including requiring parental signatures or setting liability rules — while removing the narrow requirement that a parent be physically present for issuance of a card to a 16‑ or 17‑year‑old. The committee left the roll open for add‑ons before adjourning.