The bill, H.B. No. 123, aims to enhance emergency preparedness and safety requirements for youth camps in Texas by amending the Health and Safety Code. It introduces new standards that the executive commissioner must establish, including the addition of fire and flood precautions to the existing health and safety standards. Furthermore, the bill adds two new sections, 141.0091 and 141.0092, which outline specific emergency safety requirements that youth camp operators must meet to obtain or renew their licenses. These requirements include ensuring that camps do not operate in flood plains, maintaining personal flotation devices, having operable radios for weather alerts, and implementing an emergency warning system. Additionally, the bill mandates the adoption of a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan that includes evacuation procedures, emergency equipment protocols, and active shooter response protocols. It also requires the designation of an emergency preparedness supervisor for each camp session, who will oversee the implementation of the emergency plan and conduct necessary training and drills. The executive commissioner is tasked with adopting rules to implement these new provisions, which will take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 141.009 (Health and Safety Code 141)