AUSTIN, Texas — Attorneys for more than a dozen Texas youth camps said Thursday they reached an agreement with state officials that will allow the camps to operate this summer despite not meeting a new fiber optic internet requirement.
The dispute centered on a rule adopted after deadly flooding in the Texas Hill Country, which killed more than 100 people, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic. The law required camps to install end-to-end fiber optic broadband service with a redundant connection as part of updated safety standards.
Under the agreement announced Thursday, camps will be allowed to operate if they use alternative communication systems that provide redundancy but do not rely on fiber optic infrastructure. Acceptable systems include cellular, microwave, or satellite services, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
“This agreement keeps camp doors open for children and families across Texas,” said Brian Anderson, executive director of Camp Peniel.
Camp operators involved in the lawsuit argued that they already maintain emergency communications systems suitable for rural settings and said the fiber requirement could prevent some camps from opening.
“For generations, Texas camps have allowed families to escape and enjoy the camp experience in rural settings by design,” said Paul Biles, executive director of Tejas Camp and Retreat.
The agreement follows a joint statement from Texas legislative leaders, including House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who said camps should be allowed to operate if they meet other safety requirements and maintain reliable emergency communications systems.
The Texas Department of State Health Services said the revised arrangement still aligns with legislative intent to strengthen camp safety while allowing flexibility in implementation.
The safety law was enacted following the 2025 flooding disaster, and additional revisions to camp safety requirements are expected to be reviewed during the next legislative session in 2027.