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Bill

SB 22

Relating to youth camp emergency operations plans, including camp staff and volunteer training and camper safety drills.

89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025) Introduced by Judith Zaffirini

Texas bill requires youth camps to create emergency plans, train staff/volunteers, and conduct camper safety drills to standardize emergency preparedness.

Filed
#disasterpreparedness&relief(i0211) #health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #staffdevelopment&training(s0317) #safety(i0740) #youthcamps(s2463)
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Bill Summary · SB 22

Legislative bill overview

SB 22 requires youth camps in Texas to develop and maintain comprehensive emergency operations plans that include staff and volunteer training requirements and mandatory safety drills for campers. The bill establishes minimum standards for how camps must prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

Why is this important

Youth camps serve thousands of Texas children annually, and emergency preparedness directly affects camper safety during incidents ranging from medical emergencies to severe weather to active threats. Clear, enforceable standards ensure consistent protection across camps of varying sizes and resources, reducing liability gaps that currently exist.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden on small operators: Small, independent camps may lack resources to develop comprehensive plans and conduct regular training, potentially forcing closures or fee increases
  • Specificity and flexibility balance: Overly prescriptive requirements could prove impractical for different camp types (day camps, overnight camps, specialty camps), while vague language may not ensure adequate safety
  • Enforcement mechanisms: The bill's effectiveness depends on how violations are monitored, reported, and penalized—unclear enforcement could render requirements advisory rather than mandatory

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

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