State Rep. Cam Cavitt today praised the Michigan Senate’s passage of his bill that will protect children from inhumane transportation methods to residential treatment programs. 

“This is a major step in ensuring that Michigan’s children are treated with dignity and respect, especially during what can already be an incredibly difficult and frightening transition,” said Cavitt (R-Cheboygan). “Parents should be able to trust that when their child is being transported to receive behavioral treatment, that child is safe and protected from unnecessary and outright dangerous restraint practices. A child should never have to experience a simulated kidnapping in the name of self-betterment. These methods are cruel, and we’re putting a stop to them.” 

House Bill 5514, introduced by Cavitt, strengthens protections for children transported to residential youth treatment programs by private transportation companies. The legislation prohibits transportation providers from using blindfolds, hoods, handcuffs, chains, or other restraints on children during transport. It also prohibits companies from picking up children for transport between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., helping ensure these vulnerable youth are transported under safer and more appropriate conditions. 

“Today’s overwhelming Senate vote makes clear that Michigan will not tolerate abusive youth transport practices,” said Paris Hilton, founder of 11:11 Media Impact. “I am incredibly grateful to Representative Cavitt for his leadership and to every survivor who courageously spoke out to make this progress possible. HB 5514 will create protections for young people and families at one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I urge Governor Whitmer to sign this bill into law and make Michigan a safer place for children seeking care.” 

Cavitt emphasized that the bill reflects a bipartisan commitment to strengthening protections for vulnerable youth and ensuring that transportation providers operate with appropriate safeguards 

“This is a common-sense step we are taking to protect kids and give families greater confidence in the systems responsible for their care,” Cavitt said. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work that has brought this legislation to this point, and I thank my colleagues in both chambers for standing up for the children of Michigan.” 

HB 5514 now heads to the governor’s office for final approval.