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Bill

Bill

HB 224

Relating to youth camp emergency preparedness plans.

89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025) Introduced by Will Metcalf

Texas HB 224 mandates youth camps develop emergency preparedness plans with specific safety protocols to reduce disaster-related injuries and improve coordinated emergency response.

Referred to Disaster Preparedness & Flooding
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Bill Summary · HB 224

Legislative bill overview

HB 224 requires youth camps in Texas to develop and maintain comprehensive emergency preparedness plans that address potential disasters and safety threats. The bill establishes standards for what these plans must include and likely mandates regular review, updates, and staff training protocols.

Why is this important

Youth camps serve thousands of children annually, making emergency preparedness a critical safety concern. Clear state standards ensure consistent protection across camps regardless of size or location, and can reduce response times and injuries during actual emergencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden and compliance costs – Small or rural camps may struggle with implementation expenses and administrative requirements that larger facilities can more easily absorb
  • Plan specificity vs. flexibility – Overly prescriptive requirements could reduce camps' ability to tailor responses to their unique environments and resources, while vague standards may prove ineffective
  • Liability and enforcement – Unclear how non-compliance will be penalized and whether camps could face lawsuits if plans exist but emergencies still occur, potentially deterring camp operations

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

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