Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) and celebrity advocate Paris Hilton celebrated a historic victory today as SB 1190, also known as the Safe Passage for Youth Act, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. This signing concludes a three-year partnership between Senator Grove and Paris Hilton working together to protect vulnerable youth and address the shortfalls of current law when it comes to California youth both in state and out of state.
Sponsored by Hilton’s nonprofit, 11:11 Media Impact, SB 1190 brings California’s youth transportation industry out of the shadows by requiring permits, background checks, and a ban on the traumatic practices that have left survivors with lifelong harm. Together with SB 373 and SB 1043, this step marks a significant milestone in protecting vulnerable youth and advancing California’s commitment to their safety and dignity.
“When I was a teenager, I was taken from my home in the middle of the night by strangers hired to transport me to a residential treatment program,” said Paris Hilton, Advocate, CEO of 11:11 Media and 11:11 Media Impact. “The experience scarred me deeply, and no child should ever have to endure that kind of trauma in the name of getting help. I’m deeply grateful to Governor Newsom for signing SB 1190 into law, to Senator Shannon Grove for her leadership, and to every survivor who shared the darkest parts of their story to help protect California kids. For too long, this industry has operated in the shadows, and I’m proud that California is finally bringing real safeguards, accountability, and dignity to children during transport.”
“This signing is the result of three years of partnership with Paris Hilton to close gaps that left California youth unprotected, whether they were placed in residential treatment or a nonpublic school, here or far from home,” said Senator Shannon Grove. “We first passed, SB 1043 to bring transparency and accountability to the treatment youth receive in residential treatment centers. SB 373 required more frequent check-ins and face-to-face meetings between California school representatives and vulnerable students sent out of state. SB 1190 now requires youth transportation companies to be permitted, requires employees to pass background checks, and bans middle of the night pickups, blindfolds, hoods, and unnecessary restraints. This historic package will protect youth in the future and help ensure these children are safe and being represented.”
“Unfortunately, California youth have continued to face the same traumatic practices Paris Hilton endured when she was ripped from bed in the middle of the night and forced into a van by two strange men,” continued Senator Shannon Grove. “I applaud Governor Newsom for signing this bill and standing with survivors who refused to stay silent. I am grateful for Paris Hilton, 11:11 Media, and the survivors who shared their testimony. Every child deserves to be treated with dignity, not legally kidnapped in the dark.”
SB 1190 will require youth transportation companies operating in California to be permitted, requiring employees to pass background checks, and prohibiting specified harmful practices, including middle-of-the-night pickups and the use of blindfolds, hoods, and unnecessary restraints. The bill brings an industry that has operated in the shadows under clear standards so that transport to treatment does not become another source of trauma.
SB 1190 will take effect on January 1, 2027. For more information, follow @ShannonGroveCA