Texas tightened safety rules for youth camps and campgrounds after the deadly Hill Country floods

Operators of Texas youth camps and campgrounds would have to meet new safety, evacuation, and emergency-communication standards under legislation Gov. Greg Abbott signed on September 4. The bill (SB 1) requires covered facilities to adopt flood-aware emergency plans, run drills, post evacuation routes, and coordinate with local emergency-management officials, with the Department of State Health Services empowered to inspect and enforce the rules.

The measure was the centerpiece of the second called special session, prompted by the July 4 flash floods along the Guadalupe River that killed dozens of campers and counselors at Camp Mystic and other sites. Sen. Perry filed the bill, which picked up coauthors from across the chamber.

The Senate passed SB 1 on August 20 and the House cleared it on September 2 with amendments. Both chambers signed the enrolled bill on September 3 before sending it to the governor.