Sacramento, Calif. (August 25, 2026)—Legislation authored by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) strengthening California’s network of Family Resource Centers and supporting early intervention efforts to prevent child abuse was signed into law on Monday by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Senate Bill 557 modernizes California’s definition of a Family Resource Center to better reflect the role these community-based organizations play in helping families navigate difficult circumstances.

“A child’s safety shouldn’t depend on how far a family has to fall before help arrives,” Senator Hurtado said. “The Families First Act is about making sure families have somewhere to turn when times get tough—because sometimes a little help at the right moment is all it takes to keep a family from reaching a breaking point. We can protect children not just by stepping in after a crisis, but by helping families stay safe, strong, and together before a crisis happens.”

SB 557 updates state law to recognize Family Resource Centers as family-friendly hubs providing multigenerational, family-centered and family-strengthening services at little or no cost. The new definition emphasizes centers that are responsive to the communities they serve, foster peer support and strengthen social connections that can reduce isolation and family stress.

“Right now, too many parents are doing everything they can and still are struggling to keep up with groceries, childcare, rent, and everyday bills. No parent should have to hit rock bottom before someone reaches out a hand,” Hurtado added.

Senate Bill 557 received bipartisan support and builds on Hurtado’s previous work supporting Family Resource Centers, including SB 436 in 2019. That effort helped support the delivery of $13 million in COVID-19 relief funding to Family Resource Centers, reaching more than 100,000 families statewide during the pandemic.

Senator Melissa Hurtado is Chair of Senate Budget Subcommittee #4 on State Administration and General Government and currently represents the 16th Senate District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties.

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