SACRAMENTO – California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 708 into law on September 28, 2026, establishing new requirements for youth tackle football leagues and protections for parents regarding player safety equipment. The legislation, authored by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim), guarantees parents the right to equip their children with soft-shell helmet add-ons and prohibits helmet manufacturers from voiding warranties solely for their use, a provision that takes effect on January 1, 2027.
This new law aims to put decisions about a child's helmet safety directly in the hands of parents, addressing concerns that previously limited the use of additional protective gear. The move builds upon existing youth football safety initiatives in California, integrating parental choice into the state's framework for protecting young athletes.
California Enacts AB 708: Empowering Parents in Youth Football Safety
Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of Assembly Bill 708 on September 28, 2026, marks a significant development in youth tackle football safety across California. The legislation, championed by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, guarantees parents the right to choose how their children participate in youth tackle football, specifically by allowing the use of soft-shell add-ons to football helmets. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of this parental choice, stating, "Parents should have the ability to choose this technology for their children, regardless of where they play, especially during these critical years of cognitive development."
The new law responds to a growing interest in additional protective measures for young athletes, particularly given the use of similar soft-shell add-ons at collegiate and professional levels, including the NFL. This legislative action follows a youth football summit convened by the Governor, which gathered healthcare providers, team administrators, parents, and athletes to discuss safety advancements.
