Bill > H0728

This bill expands the definition of "children's camp" to include day camps, meaning that both day and residential camps for children will now be subject to licensure and health and safety regulations. It establishes a Children's Camp Health and Safety Team within the Department of Health, comprised of representatives from various state departments, to recommend health and safety standards and review emergency plans. Camps will be required to develop and implement comprehensive emergency plans that cover various scenarios like lost campers, fires, severe injuries, epidemics, and natural disasters, and these plans must be approved annually by the Health and Safety Team. Additionally, camps will need to maintain operable radios for weather alerts, install emergency warning systems, monitor safety alerts, post and illuminate evacuation routes, and provide both fiber-optic and a distinct secondary broadband internet service. Camps located in flood hazard areas or mapped river corridors must notify parents in writing and obtain acknowledgment of receipt. Staff and volunteers will undergo training on emergency plans, and campers will receive health and safety orientations. The Department of Health will maintain a public complaint page and investigate all complaints with in-person inspections, and will also adopt rules to implement these provisions, including minimum camper-to-counselor ratios for overnight stays.

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https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.728