AUSTIN (KXAN) The push to save lives following the deadly flooding in Central Texas was a priority for Texas Lawmakers on Thursday.
Both the Texas House and Senate discussed and ultimately passed bills that would implement new safety standards for youth camps.
One of these bills was House Bill 1, authored by Texas Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, which outlined new safety guidelines for youth camps.
The Senate approved SB 1, which addressed safety protocols in youth camps. The bill aims to restrict the licensing of certain camps located in floodplains, except when cabins within those floodplains are linked to a lake, pond, or other still bodies of water. Furthermore, it mandates specific evacuation plans for these cabins. After passing this bill, the Senate adjourned and is set to reconvene on Friday morning.
“Members, this bill is paramount,” stated Darby on the House Chamber Floor. “The camp let these girls down. The county let them down. The river authority let them down. Ultimately, their government let them down.”
HB 1 involves the creation of comprehensive emergency plans encompassing natural disasters, fires, water emergencies, and more. The bill raised some concerns from Texas Rep. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton, who suggested replacing the term “floodplains” with “floodways.”
“There’s a distinction in risk profiles between camps situated in a floodway versus a floodplain,” Vasut explained. “With approximately 20% of the State of Texas classified as a floodplain, including significant coastal areas, many camps along the coast would face operation cessation if cabins were prohibited in floodplains.”
According to FEMA, a floodplain encompasses any area that could be covered by floodwaters from any source. A floodway is a distinct section of the floodplain—typically the river channel and adjacent territory—that must stay unobstructed to ensure floodwaters can flow without elevating upstream water levels.
The language did not change, and House Bill 1 passed with a majority.
On Thursday evening, the Senate reconvened to discuss further youth camp safety legislation. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick delivered a heartfelt message to the families affected by the tragic loss of children due to the flooding at Camp Mystic.
“I can tell you that on a bipartisan basis, the members of this floor and this Senate are here to take action so that this never happens again,” Patrick said. “Our words will never be enough, but our commitment to the 27 families we hope will be the best we can do in these difficult times to help you move down a path that’s forward.”
