Michigan Senate Passed Youth Transport Bill
The legislation bans restrictive restraints and overnight pickups for children headed to residential treatment programs.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Should youth transport companies be banned from using physical restraints when moving minors to treatment?
The Michigan Senate approved House Bill 5514, which prohibits private youth transportation companies from using devices like blindfolds, handcuffs, or chains during patient transfers. The measure also restricts youth pickups between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. to protect children in state-managed care.
Why it matters
The bill intends to prevent the use of dangerous physical restraints on minors during transport to behavioral facilities. It seeks to ensure that youth are treated with dignity and safety when moving to treatment programs.
Violations of the act will carry a civil fine of up to $1,000 for transport companies. The legislation excludes state-licensed hospitals and foster family homes from these new requirements.
The players
Michigan Senate
This is the upper chamber of the Michigan state legislature responsible for drafting and passing state laws.
Gretchen Whitmer
She is the current Governor of Michigan who is expected to receive the bill for her signature.
Paris Hilton
She is an entrepreneur and activist who has advocated for reforms regarding the youth residential treatment industry.
The details
Under the new rules, transport providers are banned from using hoods, straitjackets, or chains when taking children to residential treatment facilities. The bill was prompted by concerns over how minors are handled during interstate transitions, such as those occurring between Michigan and facilities in states like Missouri or Utah.
Timeline
The Michigan Senate approved the bill on October 1, 2026.
In September 2025, Michigan tracked 152 youth referrals to out-of-state care.
Paris Hilton provided testimony regarding her transport experiences in March 2026.
Political Context
Opponents or industry representatives may argue that these restrictions on restraint methods and pickup times could limit the operational flexibility of transport services. Such pushback often highlights tensions between ensuring patient safety and managing the logistics of interstate care.
The bill prohibits transport pickups for minors between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., potentially changing the scheduling availability for residential facility admissions. These new safety standards aim to hold companies accountable for transport conditions that previously lacked strict oversight.
The takeaway
The move reflects a growing legislative focus on protecting children from potential abuse during transitions between home and out-of-state facilities. Families involved in treatment plans should verify if their transport providers comply with these new state-mandated safety restrictions.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing regulatory updates at the Legislative Policy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
Live Poll
Should youth transport companies be banned from using physical restraints when moving minors to treatment?
