California AB 1846: Electricity: low-income ratepayers: smart thermostat device purchases: instant rebates.

Bill Text

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
 Bill Text - AB-1846 Dependency: placement of child with relative.

• 

• skip to content

• home

• accessibility

• FAQ

• feedback

• sitemap

• login

• x

 Quick Search:

 Bill Number
 Bill Keyword

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• Home

• Bill Information

• California Law

• Publications

• Other Resources

• My Subscriptions

• My Favorites

• Bill Information
 >>

• Bill Search
 >>

• Text

 Bill Text

 PDF2
 Bill PDF

 |Add To My Favorites |Track Bill | Version: 03/18/26 - Amended Assembly
 02/11/26 - Introduced

 AB-1846 Dependency: placement of child with relative.(2025-2026)

 Text

 >>

 Votes

 >>

 History
 >>

 Bill Analysis
 >>

 Today's Law As Amended
 >>

 Compare Versions
 >>

 Status
 >>

 Comments To Author

 >>

 Track Bill
 >>

 Add To My Favorites
 >>

 SHARE THIS:

 Date Published: 03/18/2026 09:00 PM

AB1846:v98#DOCUMENTBill Start

 Amended
 IN 
 Assembly
 March 18, 2026

 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE—
 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

 Assembly Bill

No. 1846

Introduced by Assembly Member Stefani

February 11, 2026

 An act to amend Section 361.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to juveniles. 

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 1846, as amended, Stefani.
 Dependency: placement of child with relative.

Existing law establishes the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, which may adjudge a child to be a dependent of the court under certain circumstances, including when the child suffered, or there is a substantial risk that the child will suffer, serious physical harm, or a parent fails to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment. Existing law establishes the grounds for removal of a dependent child from the custody of their parents or guardian, and establishes procedures to determine placement of a dependent child. Existing law requires, when a child has been adjudged a dependent of the court, the court to hold a dispositional hearing to determine the disposition to be made of the
 child. Under existing law, if the child is removed from the physical custody of their parents, preferential consideration to be given to a request by a relative of the child for placement of the child with the relative. Existing law prescribes factors for the county social worker and court to consider in determining placement, and requires the court to state on the record the reasons placement was denied if the court does not place the child with a relative who has been considered for placement.

This bill would require, if the court does not initially place the child with a relative who has been considered for placement, the court to state for the record the reasons why the placement with that relative was denied or delayed. The bill would clarify that a statement on the record pursuant to this provision does not prevent the court from ordering a placement with a relative later, as specified. The bill would require, if after specified hearings the child welfare agency recommends placement with a relative and the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that such placement is in the best interest of the child, the court to order the placement with that relative. The bill would specify that placement with a relative does not prevent the child welfare agency from recommending a placement change upon
 identification of another appropriate placement with a different relative, pursuant to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, or other circumstances as approved by the court, and does not require another petition, as specified. require, except as specified, after the court conducts the dispositional hearing, the social worker to assess any relative who requests placement and who has not been previously assessed or found to be unsuitable. The bill would require, if the court has terminated reunification services prior to the relative’s request for placement, the county social worker and the court to consider certain additional factors to consider in determining whether placement with the relative is appropriate, including, among others, the child’s relationship with the current caregiver. By increasing the duties of county social workers, this 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 no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Digest Key

 Vote:
 MAJORITY 
 Appropriation:
 NO 
 Fiscal Committee:
 NOYES 
 Local Program:
 NOYES 

Bill Text

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

 Section 361.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:

361.3.

 (a) In any case in which a child is removed from the physical custody of their parents pursuant to Section 361, and until the preference in subdivision (k) of Section 366.26 is applicable, pr