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HB 220

Relating to emergency evacuation instruction and notice requirements for youth camps.

89th Legislature, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by Charlene Ward Johnson

HB 220 requires youth camps in Texas to provide clear emergency evacuation instructions, distribute notices, conduct drills, and keep records to improve safety.

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#disasterpreparedness&relief(i0211) #health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #minors--health&safety(i0533) #safety(i0740) #youthcamps(s2463)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 220

Summary of HB 220 (Session 891) – Texas

Purpose and intent

HB 220 seeks to enhance safety at youth camps by mandating emergency evacuation instruction and notice requirements. The bill is designed to ensure campers, staff, and guardians receive clear information and practice procedures for evacuations during emergencies, with the goal of reducing risk and improving response times in crisis situations.

Key provisions and changes

  • Emergency evacuation instruction: Youth camps would be required to provide explicit instructions on evacuation procedures. This includes outlining routes, assembly points, and roles for staff and campers, ensuring everyone understands what to do in an emergency.
  • Notice and communication requirements: The bill would mandate that notices regarding emergency evacuation plans be distributed to relevant parties. This could include campers, parents or guardians, and camp staff, ensuring timely awareness of procedures and any changes.
  • Training and practice: The measure implies or mandates regular practice or drills to reinforce evacuation steps, though the specific frequency and formats (e.g., drills vs. theoretical instruction) would be defined in the implementing rules or the bill text.
  • Documentation and record-keeping: Camps may be required to maintain documentation showing that evacuation instructions have been provided, notices distributed, and drills conducted, facilitating oversight and compliance checks.
  • Scope of application: The provisions apply to youth camps operating within Texas. The bill specifies youth camps as facilities that host minors for programs, recreational activities, or other camp-related stays.

Who/what would be affected

  • Youth camps operating in Texas would need to implement the evacuation instructions, notices, and any associated training or drills.
  • Camp staff and leadership would bear responsibilities to deliver and maintain compliant procedures, conduct drills, and manage communications.
  • Parents/guardians and campers would receive enhanced information about evacuation procedures and participate in drills or trainings as applicable.
  • Regulatory or oversight bodies (to be determined by statute) would likely oversee compliance, review records, and enforce requirements.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Effective date and compliance timeline: The bill would specify when the evacuation instruction and notice requirements take effect and any phased timelines for existing camps versus new camps. Implementation timelines typically anticipate a practical period for camps to update policies, train staff, and distribute notices.
  • Enforcement and penalties: The bill may outline enforcement mechanisms, including potential penalties for noncompliance or provisions for corrective actions, though specific penalties would be defined in the text.
  • Rulemaking and guidance: There may be a provision for the agency responsible (likely a Texas department that regulates camps) to issue detailed rules or guidelines clarifying how to implement the requirements, including formats for notices and drill standards.
  • Exclusions or exceptions: The bill could specify certain types of programs or facilities that are exempt or subject to alternative procedures, such as day camps vs. residential camps, or camps operating under other safety regimes.

Notable sponsor

  • Co-sponsor: Charlene Ward Johnson. This information indicates bi-partisan or cross-chamber support, depending on the broader legislative context.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, camp operators, or parents) and include hypothetical implementation examples or a side-by-side comparison with current Texas camp safety standards.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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