Texas Law Strengthens Safety Rules for Youth Camps

Texas passed a new law called the Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act to protect young people at youth camps across the state. The law focuses on making camps safer by addressing flood risks and creating clear safety rules.

One major change prevents youth camps from operating sleeping cabins in flood-prone areas. Cabins cannot be built in floodplains unless they meet strict conditions. For example, if cabins are near a lake or pond that is not connected to rivers or streams, they may be allowed. However, all cabins must be at least 1,000 feet away from a floodway—the area where rivers and streams move during floods. This protects campers from dangerous flooding.

The new law also requires youth camp operators to have detailed emergency plans. These plans must identify safe gathering zones called "muster zones" where campers and staff meet during emergencies. The plans must also explain how to respond to emergencies such as lost campers, fires, and severe injuries or illnesses. Camp operators must think through how to handle these situations before they happen.

Another important part of the law creates a public online list of all licensed youth camps in Texas. This helps families find approved camps and know which ones follow state safety rules. The Texas health department will maintain this list on its website so anyone can check it before choosing a camp for their child.

The law went into effect immediately after passing. These changes strengthen protections for the young people who attend overnight and day camps throughout Texas.

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