Committee advances bill to license and regulate companies that transport youth to out-of-state treatment

Senator (author) presented SB 1190, describing an unregulated "transport industry" that takes children from their homes, sometimes in the middle of the night, and moves them across state lines to out-of-state facilities. The author said the bill would create a mandatory licensing and regulatory framework within the Department of Social Services, require background checks for employees, and prohibit certain restraint uses except when an immediate serious physical danger exists.

Survivor testimony was central to the hearing. Alex Gaeta recounted being woken at 14 by strangers, forcibly taken and flown out of state, describing long-term trauma from the experience. Caroline Cole of 11:11 Media Impact and other survivors and advocacy organizations described patterns of coercive practices and said anyone can start a transport company without requirements. "Anyone right now can start a transport company. I could walk out these doors, throw up a website and I'm a transporter," Cole said.

Supporters argued the bill fills an oversight gap and will protect vulnerable youth; Disability Rights California and Youth Law Center offered conditional support if amended. The committee moved SB 1190 to the Public Safety Committee; roll call recorded a 4-0 vote in favor.