The bill, titled "An Act relating to campground emergency safety certification requirements; providing a civil penalty," introduces new regulations for campground operators in Texas. It establishes Chapter 762 in the Health and Safety Code, which mandates that campground operators must obtain an emergency safety certification issued by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The chapter outlines definitions related to campgrounds and operators, and it requires operators to develop and implement an emergency preparedness plan that includes specific communication and evacuation procedures for guests. The division is tasked with creating rules for the certification program, including the necessary components of the emergency preparedness plan.

Additionally, the bill imposes a civil penalty of $1,000 for each violation of the new requirements, with each day of non-compliance considered a separate violation. The Attorney General is authorized to pursue collection of these penalties, including recovery of attorney's fees. While the rules for the emergency safety certification must be adopted by March 1, 2026, campground operators are not required to hold the certification until May 1, 2026. The bill is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

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