CA AB1566

Redefines "severe neglect" under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act to include situations where a caregiver willfully causes or permits serious illness, serious injury, or death to a child, or places a child at imminent risk of these outcomes

Expands the definition to explicitly cover willful failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care that results in or risks serious harm

Replaces previous language that referenced endangerment "as proscribed by Section 11165.3" with more specific criteria focused on serious illness, serious injury, and death

Maintains existing protections for parents who choose spiritual treatment under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16509.1 or make informed medical decisions after physician consultation

Introduced by Assembly Member Jackson on January 12, 2026; requires majority vote with no appropriation or fiscal committee review needed