Today, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law House Bill 1 by Representative Drew Darby and Senate Bill 1 by Senator Charles Perry.
The two bills will enact the strongest camp safety measures in the country. Earlier this week, the Texas Legislature gave overwhelming final approval to these priority camp safety measures, passed in honor of “Heaven’s 27.”
“These laws will save lives and ensure no family ever endures this kind of tragedy again,” Representative Darby said.
“The lessons learned from the loss of the ‘Heaven’s 27’ have guided every step of this process. By strengthening safety standards and requiring camps to prepare for emergencies, we are honoring those we lost and protecting generations of future campers.”
Senate Bill 1 – The Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act (Perry): Prohibits the dangerous practice of housing children overnight in or near flood zones, requires camps to install rooftop ladders and hatches for emergency escapes, and mandates that at least one operator be designated to receive emergency alerts from the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.
“Passing this package of bills has been the greatest honor of my service in elected office,” Representative Darby said. “I am deeply grateful to Governor Abbott for placing this issue on the call, Speaker Burrows for trusting me to carry this critical measure on behalf of the House, Lt. Governor Patrick for his commitment in the Texas Senate, and my Senator, Charles Perry, for his steadfast support and collaboration on both measures. Most importantly, I want to thank the families of ‘Heaven’s 27’ and the families of the surviving girls from Camp Mystic, whose time, courage, and patience guided us throughout the process.”
Representative Darby authored House Bill 1 and sponsored Senate Bill 1 in the House.
House Bill 1 – The Youth CAMPER Act (Darby): Requires all youth camps to adopt a comprehensive
campground safety plan, developed in coordination with local officials, the Department of State Health Services, and parents. Camps must also ensure escape routes are illuminated at night and that staff are trained to implement the plan during emergencies.
— From Laramie Stroud, Chief of Staff
