H.B. No. 1, known as the Youth Camp Alert, Mitigation, Preparedness, and Emergency Response (Youth CAMPER) Act, aims to enhance safety and emergency preparedness at youth camps in Texas by amending the Health and Safety Code. The bill introduces definitions for key terms such as "cabin," "camper," "floodplain," "floodway," and "governmental entity." It establishes new requirements for youth camp operators, including the annual renewal of licenses, the development of comprehensive emergency plans, and the maintenance of safety equipment. Operators must also specify muster zones, establish emergency response procedures, and ensure effective communication with local emergency services and parents during emergencies.

Additionally, the bill creates a Youth Camp Safety Multidisciplinary Team to develop minimum safety standards and mandates that youth camp operators conduct mandatory safety orientations for campers. It requires operators to provide parents with the most recent emergency plans and ensure staff and volunteers are trained on these plans. The legislation emphasizes accountability by allowing investigations into complaints regarding noncompliance and mandates inspections to ensure adherence to safety protocols. New provisions include the requirement for operators to maintain two distinct broadband internet connections and the confidentiality of submitted emergency plans. The bill also stipulates that licenses will not be issued or renewed for noncompliant camps and allows for license suspension. Certain requirements, such as the submission of emergency plans and the first meeting of the Youth Camp Safety Multidisciplinary Team, are delayed until 2026. The bill will take effect immediately upon a two-thirds vote or on the 91st day after the legislative session if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: ()
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 141.002, Health and Safety Code 141.008, Health and Safety Code 141.009 (Health and Safety Code 141)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 141.002, Health and Safety Code 141.005, Health and Safety Code 141.008 (Health and Safety Code 141)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 141.002, Health and Safety Code 141.005, Health and Safety Code 141.008 (Health and Safety Code 141)