Sacramento Standard

Senator Shannon Grove and celebrity advocate Paris Hilton celebrated the advancement of Senate Bill 373. This legislation, co-authored with Senator Susan Rubio, passed unanimously through the Senate Education Committee. The bill, backed by Hilton's 11:11 Media Impact, aims to enhance protection for special education students in nonpublic schools.

In California, nonpublic schools (NPS) serve students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) who require more support than public schools offer. These schools are state-approved to provide special assistance, ensuring students receive necessary education.

The California Department of Education reports about 8,600 students attend NPS in-state, with nearly 300 placed out-of-state. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) implement the students' IEPs and oversee those in out-of-state NPS, ensuring educational needs are met.

SB 373 plans to increase protections for students in out-of-state facilities by imposing accountability on LEAs. The legislation mandates informing parents and students of their rights, including direct access to the Equitable Services Ombudsman at the California Department of Education. The bill also ensures private communication between students and their education teams.

Paris Hilton stated, "This bill is a powerful step toward protecting youth placed in out-of-state residential facilities when their school districts can’t meet their needs. Every young person deserves access to safe, supportive care — especially when they’re far from their families and homes. As someone who survived abuse in these settings, I’m committed to transforming this system and creating a future where transparency, accountability, and compassion are the standard."

Senator Grove and Hilton built upon their previous collaboration on SB 1043, aimed at increasing transparency in short-term residential therapeutic programs.

Prior measures like AB 808 and AB 153 addressed foster youth placement in out-of-state facilities, yet nearly 300 students still attend out-of-state NPS. SB 373 ensures LEAs monitor their well-being through regular check-ins.

LEAs must conduct quarterly unmonitored phone check‑ins and annual in-person private meetings during onsite visits under this bill. It mandates LEAs to use a standardized form to report visit information to the California Department of Education.

Senator Shannon Grove stated, "California has always prided itself on leading the way in protecting our children. But too many vulnerable students remain at risk in out‑of‑state placements. I am committed to ensuring that every child in a special education program receives the highest standard of care and oversight. SB 373 will provide the transparency and accountability that our children deserve."

SB 373 also introduces certification requirements for out-of-state schools, including protocols for physical restraints, rights awareness, and complaint mechanisms.

This legislation is part of Hilton's advocacy in California, where she also supports AB 653, addressing youth protection in the entertainment industry, authored by Assemblyman Lackey and co-authored by Senator Grove.

The Senate Appropriations Committee will next hear Senate Bill 373.