24-05-2025
State Sen. Shannon Grove's child protection bill, sponsored by Paris Hilton, passes through appropriations committee
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A bill introduced by Republican State Senator Shannon Grove — with support from Paris Hilton — that seeks to amend sections of the existing California Education Code for children in nonpublic schools advanced past the Senate Appropriations Committee on Friday, according to a press release by Grove's office.
The committee voted to advance Senate Bill 373 during its hearing May 23.
SB 373, sponsored by Hilton's nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact, aims to change the existing law surrounding education for children in out-of-state youth facilities to provide more information and safeguards to the children directly.
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The existing law requires local educational agencies to assess children with 'exceptional needs' and provide them with free public education that is appropriate and unrestrictive. After assessing the students and providing the proper education, local agencies are required to provide a copy of the rights and procedural safeguards to the parents.
The California Department of Education says if a parent cannot be identified, an individual may be assigned to serve as a surrogate parent for the parent of a child with disabilities.
If passed, one of the changes in the bill would require local agencies to provide this information not only to the parents, but also to the children directly.
Other changes include ensuring private and confidential communications between the child and the Equitable Services Ombudsman, such as quarterly check-ins with the child through unmonitored phone calls.
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Grove (R-Bakersfield) said in a press release the bipartisan bill is meant to enhance safeguards for the most vulnerable students in California who are placed in out-of-state nonpublic schools and facilities.
'With nearly 300 California children still residing in these facilities, often far from home and with limited oversight, this legislation is a critical step forward,' Grove said.
Senate Bill 373 will move forward to the Senate for a full floor vote.
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