Bill > HB3142

This bill, known as "TJ and Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act," establishes new regulations for overnight and residential camps for minors in Missouri, requiring them to obtain a license from the Department of Social Services. The act defines key terms like "camper" (minors attending overnight or residential camps), "overnight camp" (a program including overnight hours but not for two or more consecutive nights), and "residential camp" (a program including overnight hours for two or more consecutive nights). Licensed camps must disclose their status to parents, and the Department of Social Services is empowered to inspect camps, grant or revoke licenses, and create rules for supervision and capacity. Camps must also ensure staff undergo criminal background checks, have at least one staff member certified in CPR, and maintain specific camper-to-counselor ratios for overnight stays. A significant focus is placed on emergency preparedness, requiring camps to develop detailed emergency plans covering evacuations, responses to various emergencies (like lost campers, fires, severe injuries, or natural disasters), camper accountability, and communication protocols with authorities and parents. Camps must also have operable radios for weather alerts, emergency warning systems, and monitor safety alerts. Parents will receive copies of emergency plans and be notified if any part of the camp is in a flood plain, requiring their acknowledgment. Mandatory safety orientations for campers and annual emergency plan training for staff are also mandated, along with conspicuous posting of evacuation routes. Violations of these provisions can result in criminal penalties, license suspension or revocation, and legal action. The bill exempts camps offered by institutions of higher education.