California Becomes First US State to Ban Child Marriage Without Exceptions

California became the first state in the United States to completely ban child marriage by signing Assembly Bill 1267 into law on September 30, 2026. This legislation establishes 18 years as the minimum legal age for marriage and domestic partnerships in California with no exceptions. The law is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2027.

What is Assembly Bill 1267?

Assembly Bill 1267 is a state-level law passed by the California State Legislature in 2026. It removes all past exceptions that allowed minors to marry with parental consent and judicial approval. This law applies equally to both traditional marriages and domestic partnerships, which are legally recognized relationships in California.

Why Does This Matter?

Before AB 1267, California was one of only three US states—alongside New Mexico and Mississippi—that had no fixed minimum marriage age. In these states, minors could marry legally if they received parental consent and court approval. By passing AB 1267, California joins 17 other states to fully prohibit marriage below 18 years, setting a national precedent.

Child Marriage Context in the US

• State-regulated laws: Marriage laws vary by state in the US. Federal law does not set a minimum age; thus, states regulate their own rules.
• Previous exceptions: Prior to AB 1267, minors in California could marry with permission, a practice linked to human rights and child protection concerns.

Legislative Background and Advocacy

This landmark legislation was championed by survivors and advocates, including public figures such as Courtney Stodden, who personally experienced child marriage. The bill was sponsored by advocacy groups like Unchained at Last and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.

Earlier attempts at banning child marriage completely faced opposition from organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood. For instance, a 2018 attempt replaced the ban with judicial review requirements rather than an outright ban.

Exam-Relevant Facts