Gov. signed Assembly Bill 708 on Sept. 28, 2026, the governor’s office said.
The law requires youth tackle football leagues to allow participants to use safety equipment, including soft-shelled add-ons to football helmets, the office said.
Assemblymember (D-Anaheim) said, "Soft-shell helmet add-ons provide an additional layer of protection and are already used at the collegiate and professional levels, including the NFL."
Governor Newsom said, "Football is America’s Game, and in California we are working hard to make sure it’s enjoyed by all."
The governor’s office said the bill preserves parents’ right to choose how their children participate in youth tackle football and builds on a youth football summit the administration convened.
The office noted that in Aug. 2019 Gov. Newsom signed AB 1, the California Youth Football Act, which enacted minimum safety standards for youth tackle football leagues.
State
Gavin Newsom
Governor · Democrat
Named 4 times in this story.
Portrait: Official portrait
State
Avelino Valencia
State Assembly Member · Democrat
Named once in this story.
Portrait: Official portrait
Sources & methodology
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