Texas House advances bill to levy stricter penalties on camps following the Hill Country flood

The Texas House passed House Bill 265 on Thursday with a significant 128-3 vote, aiming to enforce stricter penalties on youth camps for safety violations. The legislation, spearheaded by Rep. Lacey Hull, R-Houston, comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of 27 campers and counselors during flooding at Camp Mystic. Key provisions include removing the camps' ability to rectify violations during inspections and limiting representation on the advisory committee to two camp operators. Hull stated that the bill would enhance the Texas Department of State Health Services' ability to penalize camps for serious, repeat violations.

The bill was partly inspired by advocates like Kori DelaPeña, whose daughter's drowning in 2018 highlighted the need for stricter safety regulations. The advisory committee, which will now include more diverse members from the public, aims to provide broader oversight of the camp industry. This legislation reflects a growing concern for youth safety and accountability in Texas camps. The Senate will now review the bill as part of the legislative process.