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 authorizes civil penalties for operators who fail to comply with these 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 the new provisions will not be required until March 1, 2026, allowing operators time to adjust to the new regulations. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on the 91st day after the legislative session if that vote is not achieved.

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