Story perspectives

California Senate Unanimously Passes AB 1267 to Raise Marriage Age

8/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Assemblymember Gail Pellerin authored AB 1267 to raise California’s minimum marriage age to 18 with no exceptions.
The state Senate unanimously approved AB 1267 after advocacy from former child brides and survivor groups.
AB 1267 returns to the Assembly and Governor Gavin Newsom after Senate approval, amid estimates of 35,000 underage marriages.
If enacted, the law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, while ACLU California opposes it, citing incomplete state data.

History

Historical Context

Since the United Nations adopted Sustainable Development Goal 5.3 in 2015—part of the 17 SDGs urging an end to child, early and forced marriage—states have begun domestic action. California’s proposed AB 1267 seeks to tighten reporting and penalties for under-age unions, echoing the global pledge and aiming to curb thousands of marriages each year.

1 of 2

Story summary

Assemblymember Gail Pellerin authored AB 1267 to raise California’s minimum marriage age to 18 with no exceptions.
The state Senate unanimously approved AB 1267 after advocacy from former child brides and survivor groups.
AB 1267 returns to the Assembly and Governor Gavin Newsom after Senate approval, amid estimates of 35,000 underage marriages.
If enacted, the law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, while ACLU California opposes it, citing incomplete state data.

1 / 2