Texas kids' camps push back on laws banning cabins in floodplains
Share this @internewscast.com

Legislation that prohibits Texas youth camps from constructing or maintaining cabins in flood-prone areas is now awaiting Governor Greg Abbott’s approval, receiving mixed reactions from various parties.

The impending laws, House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1, aim to prevent camps across Texas from having housing within river floodplains. Furthermore, camps will be at risk of losing their state licenses if cabins remain in areas prone to flooding.

The bills also mandate that camps develop comprehensive emergency plans. Camps must post evacuation routes in every cabin, maintain well-lit pathways at all times, and ensure camp staff, including newly appointed emergency preparedness coordinators, conduct orientations on these safety procedures for campers.

Supporters of these measures include the families of 27 campers and counselors who tragically lost their lives due to the devastating floods on July 4, which severely affected central Texas and flooded Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls.

“Those families have expressed that they are enduring an unimaginable suffering that they hope others never experience. They believe this is a moment for decisive action,” Democratic Texas State Rep. Ann Johnson stated in late August.

Nonetheless, some camps, such as Camp Waldemar, Vista Camps, and Camp Stewart, which are situated near the Guadalupe River, have requested Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to review certain specifics of the proposed legislation.

The new, stricter requirements for camps would force them to rebuild cabins and install new safety features, potentially putting them at financial odds, according to a letter obtained by The Texas Tribune.

Camp owners told state officials there “must be meaningful financial support, whether through insurance, state grants, or other funding mechanisms, so that the burden does not fall solely on families, camps, and communities.”

State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, told the Tribune on Aug. 20 there would be no such funding: “No, camps are private enterprises. The state’s not rebuilding private sector camps.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Aid Distributed to Hundreds of Families at “Hope After Helene” Event

AUGUSTA, Ga ()- Some much needed resources distributed Saturday at the Hope…

Locals Share Their Accounts of the Michigan Church Incident

IE 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit our…

Bad Bunny Set to Lead the Super Bowl Halftime Show

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bad Bunny, known for his dynamic blend of…

21-Year-Old Fatally Shot at Deltona Condo; Suspect Apprehended

DELTONA, Fla. – A 21-year-old man was shot and killed early Monday…

The Quarterback Swap That Transformed an NFL Team’s Success

The belief that the New York Giants would change their quarterback this…

Asian stocks rise as Wall Street ends its 3-day losing streak

Shares were mostly higher Monday in Asia after Wall Street broke its…

Pro-European Party Triumphs in Moldova’s Parliamentary Elections Amid Allegations of Russian Interference

CHISINAU – Moldova’s pro-Western governing party secured a definitive parliamentary majority, surpassing…

North Port Entrepreneurs Recovering from Severe Accident in DeSoto County

NORTH PORT, Fla. — A beloved local food truck business is working…

Trump Engages in Key Discussions with Netanyahu on Strategy to End Gaza Conflict

President Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at…

Selena Gomez Ties the Knot with Songwriter and Producer Benny Blanco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) — Selena Gomez has tied the knot with…

Seattle Nonprofit Empowers Home Bakers to Donate Fresh Bread to Food Banks

On a recent Saturday near Seattle, Cheryl Ewaldsen pulled three golden loaves…

Netanyahu and Trump plan meeting amid growing calls to resolve Gaza conflict

Following his assertive address at the United Nations where he dismissed calls…