Texas House Bill HB211

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

• Filed: 7/28/25

Caption

Relating to emergency preparedness requirements for youth camps, camps, and entities that provide high-risk activities for minors; authorizing a civil penalty.

Impact

The introduction of HB 211 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws concerning the operation of youth camps. By formalizing the need for emergency preparedness plans, the bill aims to enhance the safety of minors involved in activities that carry inherent risks. This will likely elevate operational standards and accountability for camp operators, focusing on minimizing the potential dangers associated with camping and recreational activities. Furthermore, the bill asserts that failure to adhere to the new regulations can lead to civil penalties, emphasizing the seriousness of compliance.

Summary

House Bill 211 seeks to establish comprehensive emergency preparedness requirements for youth camps and entities providing high-risk activities for minors. The bill mandates that youth camp operators submit an emergency preparedness plan to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, ensuring that all camps are equipped to handle emergencies effectively. The proposed legislation specifically outlines that licenses for youth camps cannot be issued or renewed without proof of compliance with these emergency preparedness requirements, setting a stringent safety standard for operations in this sector.

Contention

While the overall intent of HB 211 appears to be to bolster safety protocols, there may be points of contention regarding the feasibility of the requirements. Critics may argue that the new regulations could impose significant operational burdens on smaller youth camps, particularly those with limited resources. Concerns could also arise about the effectiveness of mandatory preparedness plans—whether simply having a plan in place translates to improved safety outcomes in real scenarios. The civil penalties associated with non-compliance may additionally spark debate around fairness and practicality, especially for camps that are struggling financially.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 141. Youth Camps
  • Section: New Section