The bill, H.B. No. 71, 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 the Texas Division of Emergency Management must receive an emergency preparedness plan from youth camp operators before they can obtain or renew 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 allows for civil penalties against operators who fail to comply with these new regulations, with fines not exceeding $1,000 for each violation. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is tasked with creating an emergency readiness toolkit to assist operators, and they must adopt the necessary rules by January 1, 2026. However, compliance with these provisions will not be required until March 1, 2026, providing a grace period for operators to adjust to the new requirements.

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