AB 1660 Parent Guide

Child Performer Protection Act (AB 1660)

🛡️ Bottom Line for Parents: Before anyone works with your child in entertainment for money, they must have a Child Performer Services Permit that includes an FBI background check. No permit = no hire. This law exists to keep sex offenders away from your child.

When your child steps onto a set, safety and supervision are non-negotiable. AB 1660 ensures that professionals working with minors in the entertainment industry are vetted through background checks and held to legal standards.

What Does AB 1660 Do?

Passed in 2012, California's Child Performer Protection Act requires background checks and permits for adults who work with child performers in a paid capacity. This includes photographers, acting coaches, managers, and any service provider offering career support to a minor actor.

Why This Law Exists: Prior to this law, convicted sex offenders were able to simply exit prison and get right back into the entertainment industry as managers, publicists and teachers. High-profile cases involving predators like Brian Peck and Martin Weiss helped propel AB 1660 through the legislature.

Who Must Be Permitted?

Anyone over 18 who provides professional services to child performers (under 18) in California must:

  • Apply for a Child Performer Services Permit
  • Submit to a LiveScan background check (FBI-level fingerprinting)
  • Be cleared through the California Department of Justice
  • Pay a $198 application fee (plus fingerprinting costs)
  • Renew every 2 years for $166

Services That Require a Permit:

This includes—but is not limited to—those offering:
  • Still photography, digital photography, video, and film services for use as an artist or performer
  • Acting, modeling, voice, singing, or dance coaching
  • Talent management or career counseling
  • Seminars, workshops, or instruction related to getting hired as a performer
  • Camp counselors, coaches, and instructors at camps that include performance-related activities
  • Publicists who manage a child performer's reputation and media presence

Who's Exempt from Needing a Permit?

Some individuals and organizations do not need a permit:
  • Parents or guardians (when not working for pay)
  • School or church events that are not commercially motivated
  • Studio teachers already certified by the Labor Commissioner
  • Licensed talent agents (already regulated under separate laws)
  • People with only incidental contact with minors (like equipment rental companies)
  • Locations where parents must be present and within sight/sound at all times

Critical Safety Information

🚨 Absolute Prohibition: No person who is required to register as a sex offender may represent or provide specified services to any artist who is a minor. This is a complete ban with no exceptions.

How to Verify a Permit

Ask any provider: "Do you hold a current California Child Performer Services Permit?"

If they can't show proof, DO NOT HIRE THEM.

You can search the official database: California Child Performer Services Permit Database

Permits must be posted in a conspicuous place in their place of business.

Real-World Enforcement Issues

⚠️ Compliance Reality Check: A 2018 Deadline investigation found that not a single Hollywood publicist who represents child actors had obtained a permit, and dozens of managers, acting coaches and photographers who work with child stars had also failed to comply with the law. However, today there are hundreds of service providers who have permits, and parents should only use those cleared by the State.

Penalties for Noncompliance

The penalties for violating AB 1660 are serious:
  • Operating without a permit is a misdemeanor in California
  • Up to $10,000 in fines per violation
  • Up to 1 year in county jail for willful violations
  • Civil lawsuits - injured parties can sue for damages and injunctive relief
  • Punitive damages may be awarded if violations are willful

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My child takes online acting classes with a coach from another state. Do they need a permit?

A: Absolutely! If they offer paid services to your California-based child, a CPS permit is mandatory. The law applies to anyone providing services to California minors, regardless of where the provider is located.

Q: What about photographers who just take headshots?

A: If they're providing photography services specifically for a child's entertainment career (headshots, comp cards, demo reels), they need a permit. Regular family portrait photographers would be exempt.

Q: Does the permit guarantee the person is safe to work with my child?

A: The permit means they've passed an FBI background check and are not a registered sex offender. However, it's not a guarantee of character - you should still supervise your child and maintain open communication about their experiences.

Q: What if someone claims they're "about to get" their permit?

A: Don't wait. The application process takes about 45 days, so legitimate providers should have planned ahead. No permit = no work with your child.

Q: Are there different rules for different types of entertainment work?

A: The permit requirement applies broadly to anyone providing paid services to help a minor succeed in entertainment, regardless of whether it's film, TV, modeling, music, or other performance fields.

Q: What should I do if I discover someone working with my child doesn't have a permit?

A: Stop the working relationship immediately and report it to: cpslicensing@dir.ca.gov or call 510-285-2123. You may also have grounds for a civil lawsuit.

How the Application Process Works

For service providers, here's the process:
  1. Complete the application online or by mail
  2. Pay the $198 fee (plus fingerprinting costs)
  3. Get LiveScan fingerprinting at an approved location
  4. Wait for FBI background check (approximately 45 days)
  5. Receive permit if cleared - must be posted visibly in workplace
  6. Renew every 2 years for $166

Protecting Your Child Beyond the Law

Smart Safety Practices:

  • Always verify permits before signing any contracts
  • Stay involved in your child's professional interactions
  • Maintain open communication with your child about their experiences
  • Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, investigate
  • Build a network of other entertainment parents for support and information
  • Document everything - keep copies of permits, contracts, and communications

Essential Resources & Links

🏛️ Official Government Resources

📞 Contact & Reporting

🎭 Industry & Safety Organizations

📚 Additional Resources

Remember: Before hiring anyone to work with your child in entertainment, ask: "Are you permitted under AB 1660?" The answer should be yes—and verifiable in the state database. Your child's safety is worth more than any opportunity.