Celebrity advocate Paris Hilton has urged California lawmakers to support SB 373, a bill introduced by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) aimed at increasing protections for children placed in out-of-state residential facilities. The measure is set for a vote in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday.
Hilton’s nonprofit organization, 11:11 Media Impact, is sponsoring the bipartisan bill. She released a video and an op-ed in the Sacramento Bee this week to highlight her personal connection to the issue and advocate for its passage.
“This session I’m proud to sponsor SB 373 to protect California children who are sent to out of state residential facilities. Right now, too many of these kids are left unseen and unheard without regular visits by adults entrusted with their care and education,” said Paris Hilton. “Children deserve a voice, especially when they’re far away from home. With the critical vote ahead, I’m asking California lawmakers to support SB 373 and take a stand against institutional child abuse.”
Certified Nonpublic Schools (NPSs) serve public school students with disabilities whose needs cannot be met in traditional classrooms. These schools are privately run but funded by local districts and overseen by the California Department of Education.
Senator Grove commented on the issue: “Almost 300 California children remain in these out-of-state facilities, often isolated from their families and with little oversight to ensure their safety,” said Senator Grove. “The state has a responsibility to protect these students’ safety, dignity, and well-being through real accountability and meaningful safeguards. I deeply appreciate the partnership of Paris Hilton and 11:11 Media Impact. Every child deserves to be safe, supported, and valued.”
California has recently moved away from placing foster youth in out-of-state institutions due to reports of mistreatment. However, under current procedures for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), some students with disabilities can still be sent to such facilities—some of which have histories of abuse.
The Assembly Appropriations Committee will consider SB 373 on August 29.
