What this is
Texas is requiring youth camps and high-risk activity programs to create and share emergency preparedness plans with state officials.
House Bill 71 is a new Texas law that makes youth camps and organizations running high-risk activities for minors prepare detailed emergency plans. These plans help keep young people safe by planning for emergencies ahead of time.
The law requires camps to develop written emergency preparedness plans that identify specific risks at their location, hazards from the activities offered, and clear steps for evacuation. Each camp must also create a checklist to make sure they are ready for emergencies. Camps must assign staff members to specific emergency response jobs so everyone knows their role if something happens.
Camps must share their plans with the Texas Division of Emergency Management. They also have to coordinate with local emergency medical services and the sheriff's office before each camp session begins. Camps must post emergency information where everyone can see it, keep working phones or radios on site, and make sure emergency responders can easily find clear pathways to enter the camp.
Read full text
The Texas Division of Emergency Management will work with health and safety agencies to set official standards for emergency preparedness. The division will review plans camps submit and offer help if camp operators have questions about their plans. These requirements apply to all types of youth camps, including day camps and licensed facilities.
This law helps our community protect young people by making sure camps are prepared for emergencies. When camps have solid plans in place and first responders know where to find them, everyone stays safer.
Key details
- Bill Number: HB 71
- Sponsor: Barbara Gervin-Hawkins
- Law Status: Introduced
- Main Requirement: Emergency preparedness plans for youth camps
About Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature is the state legislature of Texas, consisting of the House of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 31 members. Meeting in regular session every two years, the legislature passes stat…
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Why it matters
This is part of Our Health — health, wellness, and caring for each other.
How this affects households
Under $30,000
Your children attending camps get better safety protection without you paying extra. This helps keep kids safe at affordable summer programs and community camps.
$30,000-$60,000
Your family benefits from stronger safety rules at youth camps without higher costs. Kids get better emergency protection at day camps and overnight programs.
$60,000-$100,000
Enhanced safety at camps your children attend, with no direct cost to your family. Better emergency planning protects kids during camp activities.
Over $100,000
Your children get improved safety at camps with no extra fees to your household. Private and specialty camps must follow the same strong emergency rules.
How to get involved
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
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- 3Weigh in using the button above.
When you call, you can say: “Hi, I saw "Texas Law Requires Emergency Plans for Youth Camps" on Community Exchange and want to know how to take part.”
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