Paris Hilton, the renowned socialite and reality television personality, has recently declared her support for two legislative proposals put forward by the Republican party in California.
These bills aim to safeguard children involved in the entertainment sector and the so-called "troubled teen industry."
According to RedState, Hilton took to social media last Thursday to express her enthusiasm for her sponsorship of the California bills: #SB373, introduced by Senator Shannon Grove (R-CA), and #AB653, proposed by Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-CA). Hilton's post read, "Excited to announce my sponsorship of two California bills: #SB373 by @ShannonGroveCA and #AB653 The Child Abuse Mandated Entertainment Reporter Act (CAMERA) by @TomLackey36. I'm thrilled to be continuing my work in protecting children in California and turning my pain into purpose."
The California Republican Party commended Hilton's initiative, sharing the news on their social media platforms. They expressed their gratitude towards Hilton, stating, "Republicans are leading the way to protect kids, and we're grateful @ParisHilton is standing with us to help deliver a better future for families across America."
The #SB373 bill stipulates that a contracting local educational agency and a charter school must notify parents of any changes to the certification status of a nonpublic, nonsectarian school or agency within 14 days of becoming aware of such changes. This notification should be sent via email or regular mail and should include a copy of the procedural safeguards as specified in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 56500).
Assemblymember Lackey elaborated on the #AB653 bill, stating, "Its an honor to author and work with @ParisHilton whos been a huge advocate for childrens protection measures on #AB653 which will make talent agents, managers, and coaches who work with kids mandated reporters in the entertainment industry."
Hilton's advocacy for child protection measures is rooted in her personal experiences. In 2024, she testified on Capitol Hill about the severe abuse she endured as a teenager in several youth residential facilities. This testimony was in support of the "Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act," as reported by RedState.
Hilton recounted her traumatic experiences in these facilities, often collectively referred to as the "troubled teen industry." She described being forcibly removed from her home at 16 and taken to the first of four such facilities. Hilton revealed that her parents sent her to these institutions after she began frequenting clubs and parties at the age of 15. She told the committee, "These programs promised healing, growth and support, but instead, did not allow me to speak, move freely or even look out a window for two years. I was force-fed medications and sexually abused by the staff. I was violently restrained and dragged down hallways, stripped naked and thrown into solitary confinement."
Hilton coped with the abuse by creating a fantasy persona, as she explained to The Independent last year. "I was in so much pain that I created this Barbie doll fantasy life. It was a character I put on as a mask to protect myself."
In the wake of Hilton's testimony, the bipartisan-led "Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act" was enacted into law in December. Hilton's recent sponsorship of the California bills underscores her continued commitment to child protection, particularly within the entertainment and troubled teen industries.
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