An 8-0 committee vote recently advanced legislation to ban child marriage completely in California.
What the Vote Means
Assembly Bill 1267 sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18. It removes exceptions that currently allow minors of any age to marry with parental consent and a court order. Advocates and survivors celebrated the unanimous committee support as a major step against a harmful loophole.
What Happens Next
- Final Assembly Vote: The bill must pass a final concurrence vote in the California State Assembly. Lawmakers face a strict legislative deadline of August 31.
- Governor’s Desk: If the Assembly approves the bill, it goes to Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature. Observers expect him to sign it into law.
- Effective Date: The total ban on underage marriage will officially take effect on January 1, 2027. California will then join the growing number of U.S. states prohibiting marriage for anyone under 18.
Key Voting Milestones for AB 1267
- April 22, 2025: The bill cleared its first major hurdle in the Assembly Standing Committee on Health.
- June 2, 2025: The full California State Assembly passed the bill by a 66 to 8 vote.
- June 30, 2026: The Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary advanced the bill.
- August 19, 2026: The full California State Senate voted unanimously to pass the amended legislation.