"It's taken nearly two decades to make it to this point," Shaw added.

Emily Carter, a former student who attended Clearview Horizon from 2014 to 2015, said it's still hard for her to believe that the bill has made it this far.

"I'm so excited that people are finally realizing what's happening in these programs and are willing to do something about it," Carter said.

In March, Carter testified in support of HB 222 which would have regulated religious programs that currently avoid state licensure by claiming association with a ministry. The bill died in committee, adding to a history of failed attempts to bring religious programs under licensure.

Carter said she had heard the bill to shift oversight to DPHHS was moving through the Legislature but she was hesitant to get her hopes up. However, she's still apprehensive about the potential transition to DPHHS.

"It makes me nervous that the program owners are still being given so much input when they've clearly been shown to have way more interest in profiting than protecting the health and safety of children," Carter said, adding that she hopes DPHHS remains aware that programs are private, for-profit businesses.

Tuition at some of the programs tops $100,000 annually.