Bill > HB71

This bill establishes comprehensive emergency preparedness requirements for youth camps and entities providing high-risk activities for minors in Texas. The legislation requires operators of camps and youth activity entities to develop and submit detailed emergency preparedness plans to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), including specifics about location-specific risks, activity-based hazards, evacuation procedures, and emergency response responsibilities. Operators must also post emergency preparedness information, maintain real-time communication capabilities, ensure clear emergency access routes, and provide advance notice to local emergency services and sheriff's departments about each camp or high-risk activity session. The bill mandates that TDEM collaborate with other state agencies to establish emergency preparedness standards and create a publicly available emergency readiness toolkit to guide operators. If operators fail to comply with these requirements, they may face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, with each day of non-compliance considered a separate violation. The implementation of these requirements is phased, with rules to be adopted by January 1, 2026, and full compliance required by March 1, 2026. The legislation aims to enhance safety and emergency preparedness for minors participating in camps and high-risk activities across Texas.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB71