News

Mariel Padilla, 19thNews

California is set to end child marriage – years after more than a third of the nation had done so, and long after most other states had established a minimum age to wed. If signed by the governor, the law would make it illegal for anyone younger than 18 to get married as of January 1, 2027. 

Lynn La, CalMatters

Starting next year, Californians who provide legal aid, counseling or other types of assistance to immigrants will be eligible for a privacy program that keeps their addresses confidential and out of public records.

Gov. Gavin Newsom approved this latest expansion of California’s Safe at Home program amid concern among Democratic legislators of a rise in reported harassment and threats against immigrants and immigration advocates. 

* * * * * * 

iHeartRadio

A significant step towards ending child marriage in California was achieved as state lawmakers approved Assembly Bill 1267, which sets 18 as the minimum age for marriage without exceptions. The bill, authored by Democratic Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin, now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature after clearing the Assembly. The State Senate had already approved the measure unanimously.

James Queally, Los Angeles Times

A decade-long fight to outlaw child marriage in California is nearly at an end.

mynewsLA.com

A yearslong campaign led by Tustin-based Global Hope 365 to end child marriage in California moved closer to its goal Wednesday after state lawmakers approved legislation setting 18 as the minimum age to marry, with no exceptions.

Assembly Bill 1267, authored by Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin, D-Santa Cruz, now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration after clearing the Assembly. The Senate previously approved the measure unanimously, according to Global Hope 365.

Sofia Williams, Sacramento Bee

A bill to ban marriage under the age of 18 awaits a vote on the Assembly floor after passing the Assembly Judiciary Committee Tuesday. 

Currently, California, Mississippi and New Mexico are the only U.S. states that have no minimum age requirement for marriage. In California, a minor may get married if they obtain a court order consenting to the union and parental permission. Assembly Bill 1267 would require a minimum age of 18 to obtain a marriage license, with no exceptions.

Joycelyn Uy, International Business Times

LeAnne Maxwell, SF Politics

A state bill authored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin of San Jose that would set the minimum legal age of marriage in California to 18 with no exceptions is awaiting final approval from the State Assembly and Governor Newsom.

Tom Wait, CBS News

California lawmakers are expected to pass a new law ending child marriage within the state. 

Currently, California is one of three states that allow children of any age to get married if a parent or guardian signs off. The bill passing through the legislature would end underage marriage with no exceptions. 

"So many survivors of child marriage have been fighting for over nine years trying to get this bill passed," said Courtney Stodden, a staunch supporter of the new law. 

Michael McLaughlin, The San Francisco Standard