The bill, H.B. No. 248, introduces new emergency safety certification requirements for campground operators in Texas by adding Chapter 762 to the Health and Safety Code. Under this chapter, campground operators are prohibited from operating without an emergency safety certification issued by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The division is tasked with establishing a certification program that includes requirements for campground operators to develop and implement an emergency preparedness plan, which must be submitted for approval. The plan must ensure that cabins are equipped with communication devices for emergencies and include signage for evacuation procedures.

Additionally, the bill imposes a civil penalty of $1,000 for each violation of these requirements, with each day of non-compliance considered a separate violation. The attorney general is authorized to sue for the collection of these penalties, including recovery of attorney's fees. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is required to adopt the necessary rules by March 1, 2026, but campground operators will not be required to hold the emergency safety certification until May 1, 2026. The act will take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()