S.B. No. 1, known as the Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act, seeks to enhance safety regulations for campgrounds and youth camps in Texas by amending the Health and Safety Code. The bill introduces definitions for key terms such as "cabin," "camper," "floodplain," and "floodway," and establishes that youth camps within a floodplain cannot obtain or renew licenses unless certain conditions are met, including maintaining a distance of at least 1,000 feet from a floodway. It also mandates the creation of an online youth camp registry, requires comprehensive emergency plans for various emergencies, and emphasizes communication with parents regarding these plans and floodplain risks. Notably, the bill removes the requirement for the department to consult with parents and youth camp operators when developing safety rules.

In addition to the provisions for youth camps, the bill amends the Government Code and adds a new chapter to the Health and Safety Code focused on campground safety. It requires campground operators to install emergency ladders in cabins within floodplains and develop evacuation plans for disasters, which must be shared with local emergency management officials but remain confidential. The bill also sets fire protection standards in line with the National Fire Protection Association's guidelines and allows governmental entities to regulate safety without imposing stricter standards. It repeals a previous section of the Health and Safety Code and establishes deadlines for the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to adopt related rules. The bill will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on the 91st day after the legislative session if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 141.002, Health and Safety Code 141.005, Health and Safety Code 141.0035 (Health and Safety Code 141)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 141.002, Health and Safety Code 141.005, Health and Safety Code 141.008, Health and Safety Code 141.0035 (Health and Safety Code 141)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 141.002, Health and Safety Code 141.005, Health and Safety Code 141.008, Health and Safety Code 141.0035 (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 141.0035 (Health and Safety Code 141)