The proposed bill aims to enhance safety regulations for summer camps in Missouri by adding a new section, 210.212, to chapter 210 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. This section defines key terms related to summer camps, such as "aquatic activity," "camp counselor," "medical emergency," and "summer camp." It mandates that summer camp operators ensure their employees are certified in operating equipment for aquatic activities, establish a written emergency plan for various situations, and maintain a minimum level of training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Additionally, the bill requires annual inspections of aquatic activities and related equipment by relevant state departments and mandates that all camp counselors undergo comprehensive criminal background checks. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that operating a summer camp without a license from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is unlawful, and camps must disclose their licensure status to parents or guardians. Violations of these provisions will result in penalties, including fines and potential misdemeanor charges, with a grace period until May 1, 2028, during which violators will receive written warnings instead of penalties. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is also empowered to create necessary rules for the administration of this section, ensuring compliance with existing legislative frameworks.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (4566H.01): 210.212