Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1 on Aug. 22, to enforce stricter safety standards at youth camps across the state following fatal floods on July 4 that killed several campers at Camp Mystic.
The new laws outline mandatory emergency preparedness measures and licensing requirements to prevent future incidents.
The flood at Camp Mystic, located along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, resulted in multiple deaths and prompted statewide calls for reform.
House Bill 1 requires all camps in Texas to develop comprehensive emergency plans. These plans must address scenarios such as flooding, fires, and missing persons. Senate Bill 1 targets camps located in floodplains, prohibiting them from obtaining or renewing a state license unless they meet specific safety criteria.
Both bills passed unanimously in the Texas House and Senate after emotional testimonies from victims’ families. Parents of the deceased campers attended legislative sessions and advocated for change, urging lawmakers to adopt stronger safety protocols for youth camps.
Under the new legislation, camps must create detailed evacuation plans and adopt emergency management procedures. The laws also mandate regular inspections and require camps to report all safety-related incidents to state authorities.
Camp Mystic, in its public statement, expressed support for the new safety measures and stated it would comply with all requirements.
In addition to the legislative response, private donors committed $40 million to flood relief and housing recovery efforts for families affected by the July 4 disaster.
