The bill, titled "An Act relating to requirements for campgrounds located in a floodway," introduces new regulations for campgrounds situated within floodways in Texas. It establishes Chapter 761 in the Health and Safety Code, which includes definitions for key terms such as "campground," "campground entity," and "floodway." The bill mandates that campground entities must obtain approval from the Texas Division of Emergency Management before constructing or expanding campgrounds in floodways, with specific requirements for construction plans aimed at minimizing flooding risks and ensuring safe evacuation routes. Additionally, campground entities are required to post notices on their websites regarding the locations of their campgrounds in floodways.

The legislation also introduces administrative penalties for violations of the new requirements, allowing the division to impose fines up to $1,000 for each infraction, with each day of violation counting as a separate offense. Furthermore, it provides a private cause of action for individuals harmed by violations of the new regulations, allowing them to seek damages in civil court. The bill stipulates that compliance with these new requirements will not be enforced until March 1, 2026, giving campground entities time to adjust to the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()