Paris Hilton, other survivors testify in support of plan

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz today led testimony on a bipartisan plan she co-sponsored to protect Michigan children from unnecessary trauma caused by dangerous and disturbing practices used by some private youth transportation companies.

House Bill 5514 establishes clear protections for children being transported to residential child care programs, prohibiting the use of blindfolds, hoods, handcuffs, chains, or other restraints during transport. The bill also bans overnight pickups between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., ensuring children are not taken from their homes in the middle of the night.

“This plan is about protecting kids during one of the most frightening and vulnerable moments they may ever experience,” Schmaltz said. “No child should be taken from their home in a way that leaves them terrified, confused, or feeling like they’re a criminal. If we’re stepping in to help these children, we have a responsibility to do it with compassion, care, and respect every step of the way.”

Under the plan, restraints may only be used in true emergency situations when a child poses an immediate risk of serious harm to themselves or others and no less restrictive option is available. Any use of restraints must be carried out by trained staff and stopped as soon as the danger has passed. The plan explicitly prohibits using restraints as punishment, for convenience, or in place of proper supervision. Violations would allow the Michigan Attorney General or affected individuals to pursue legal action.

Testifying in support of the bill during the House committee hearing was entrepreneur and advocate Paris Hilton, who shared her personal experience as a survivor of what she has described as the “troubled teen” industry.

Hilton said: “When I was 16 years old, I was taken from my bed in the middle of the night by two men I had never seen before. They told me I could go the easy way or the hard way, but there was no choice. I was handcuffed and carried out of my home while I screamed for help. I truly believed I was being kidnapped.

“My parents had been told this was the only way to get me help. They believed they were making the best decision for my safety. But I promise there is nothing therapeutic about being woken up by strangers, physically restrained, and taken across the country against your will. That moment changed my life forever. My sense of safety was never the same.”

Two other brave victims also spoke, providing heartfelt testimony detailing how traumatic their experiences were with the transport companies. Schmaltz thanked Hilton and the other survivors for speaking out and helping shine a light on the issue.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Paris Hilton for sharing her story and using her voice to advocate for children who may not be able to speak for themselves,” Schmaltz said. “Her courage is helping drive meaningful change, and her testimony helped illustrate exactly why these protections are so important.”

House Bill 5514 remains under consideration by the committee.