Today, celebrity advocate Paris Hilton called for passage of Senator Shannon Grove’s (R-Bakersfield) SB 373 ahead of a key vote in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday. This bipartisan measure, sponsored by Hilton’s nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact, would help protect California’s most vulnerable youth in nonpublic schools. In addition to releasing a video, Hilton also published an op-ed in the Sacramento Bee this week sharing her story and outlining why she is supporting the measure.
Click here to view and download vertical and horizontal videos of Hilton's advocacy. Video courtesy: 11:11 Media Impact
“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) are private institutions that serve public school students with disabilities whose needs cannot be met in a traditional classroom. These schools are funded by local school districts and overseen by the California Department of Education (CDE).
“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.”
In recent years, the state has taken steps to stop placing foster youth in out-of-state facilities after widespread reports of mistreatment. Yet under the IEP process, students with disabilities can still be placed in the very same institutions, some with records of abuse and mistreatment.
The Assembly Appropriations Committee will vote on SB 373 this Friday, August 29, 2025. For more information, follow @ShannonGroveCA.