The bill, H.B. No. 211, aims to enhance emergency preparedness requirements for youth camps and entities providing high-risk activities for minors in Texas. It introduces a new section, 141.0052, to the Health and Safety Code, mandating that youth camp operators must submit an emergency preparedness plan to the Texas Division of Emergency Management before obtaining or renewing their licenses. Additionally, the bill establishes Chapter 761, which outlines definitions related to camps and high-risk activities, and sets forth emergency preparedness standards that operators must follow, including developing a detailed emergency preparedness plan, posting emergency information, and coordinating with local emergency services.

Furthermore, the bill allows for civil penalties against operators who fail to comply with these new requirements, with fines not exceeding $1,000 for each violation. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is tasked with developing an emergency readiness toolkit and must adopt the necessary rules by January 1, 2026. However, compliance with these provisions will not be required until March 1, 2026, providing operators with a grace period to adjust to the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()