AB 1689: Juvenile courts: temporary probate guardianship.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law establishes the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, which may adjudge children to be dependents 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 subjects a minor between 12 and 17 years of age, inclusive, who violates any federal, state, or local law or ordinance to, and a minor under 12 years of age who is alleged to have committed specified serious offenses to, the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, which may adjudge the minor to be a ward of the court.

Existing law requires, unless waived for good cause, a court investigator, probation officer, or domestic relations investigator to make an investigation and file with the probate court a report and recommendation concerning each proposed guardianship of the person or guardianship of the estate. Existing law authorizes, in specified circumstances, the court to refer the matter, in writing, to the local child welfare agency to initiate an investigation and requires the referral to include a summary of the reasons for the referral and authorizes the inclusion of a copy of the petition, the investigator’s report, and any other material information. If the juvenile court commences dependency proceedings, the guardianship proceedings are stayed, and if the juvenile court does not commence dependency proceedings, the probate court retains jurisdiction to hear and determine the guardianship petition.

Existing law authorizes the juvenile court to terminate or modify a guardianship of the person of a minor previously established under the Probate Code, or appoint a coguardian or successor guardian of the person of the minor, if the minor is the subject of a petition filed under the above-described provisions authorizing a juvenile court to adjudge children as dependents or wards, and subjects those proceedings to specified notice requirements.

This bill would authorize the juvenile court to terminate or modify temporary probate guardianships at any hearing without further notice, if specified requirements are met, including, but not limited to, when in the best interests of the minor.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 27, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 542, Statutes of 2026.
2. September 27, 2026Approved by the Governor.
3. September 4, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.
4. August 27, 2026Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 78. Noes 0. Page 6708.).
5. August 27, 2026In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
6. August 26, 2026Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.).
7. August 24, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
8. August 20, 2026Read third time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
9. August 20, 2026Ordered to third reading.
10. August 20, 2026Action rescinded whereby the bill was read third time, passed, and to Assembly.
11. August 13, 2026In Senate. Held at Desk.
12. August 13, 2026Ordered to the Senate.