• Pastor Jack Hibbs urged California families to flee if AB 495 becomes law, citing threats to parental control.
• The Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025 expands caregiver authorization affidavits to include nonrelative extended family members.
• Critics warn the bill strips away parental rights; supporters point to protections for unaccompanied children.

SACRAMENTO, CA (TDR) — A firestorm erupted last week when pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills told parishioners to flee the state if lawmakers pass the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, known as AB 495 (Digital Democracy | CalMatters).

Origin and Intent of AB 495

Authored by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, AB 495 aims to address the surge of unaccompanied children resulting from federal immigration policies that have dramatically increased parental detentions and deportations (The Washington Stand). The bill would expand the categories of adults—“nonrelative extended family members”—authorized to sign a caregiver authorization affidavit, granting them powers to enroll minors in school and consent to medical care without stringent background checks (California State Assembly).

“Separation of a child from their parent or primary caregiver has known developmental, psychological, and physical impacts,” the bill’s findings note, highlighting the importance of psychological safety during children’s early years.

Hibbs’s Call to Exodus

In his August 15 sermon, Hibbs proclaimed,

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

“If this bill passes, I am going to ask you to leave the state of California. You’ve got to run with your kids.”

He warned constituents—over 55% of whom identify as Christian per Pew Research Center—that schools could hand over their children to strangers armed only with a caregiver affidavit, with no ID or verification required.

Supporters vs. Opponents

Supporters argue AB 495 provides a vital family preparedness mechanism for children left vulnerable by sudden parental detention. The Alliance for Children’s Rights calls it “a compassionate safety net” for immigrant families.

Opponents—from legal experts to parental rights groups—contend the bill’s lax standards open doors to abuse, even trafficking. Erin Friday of Our Duty-USA warns it’s “a predator’s dream” with its scant vetting (California Family Council).

The Rally and Next Steps

To protest, Hibbs is spearheading a “Stop AB 495” rally on August 19, aiming for 5,000 participants at the State Capitol (California Family Council). He urged,

“AB 495 one hundred percent strips parents of their parental rights. We will let it continue, or we will make some noise.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

As the Assembly Appropriations Committee prepares to review the bill, California faces a stark choice between expanding caregiver protections and safeguarding parental authority.

Will AB 495 strike the right balance, or will it prompt families to heed Pastor Hibbs’s warning and seek refuge beyond California’s borders?

Follow The Wayne Dupree Show on YouTube

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10