Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.001. SHORT TITLE.
This chapter may be cited as the Texas Youth Camp Safety and Health Act.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
YOUTH CAMPS
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code ch. 141
in effectTex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.002. DEFINITIONS.
In this chapter:
(1) "Cabin" means a structure used to provide temporary sleeping quarters for campers.
(1-a) "Camper" means a minor who is attending a youth camp on a day care or boarding basis.
(2) "Day camp" includes any camp that primarily operates during any portion of the day between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. for a period of four or more consecutive days but may incidentally offer not more than two overnight stays each camp session. The term does not include a facility required to be licensed with the Department of Family and Protective Services.
(2-a) "Floodplain" has the meaning assigned by Section 762.001 .
(2-b) "Floodway" means an area identified on the most recent flood hazard map published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. Section 4001 et seq.) as a regulatory floodway.
(2-c) "Governmental entity" means this state or a state agency or political subdivision of this state.
(3) "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, association, or organization.
(4) "Resident youth camp" includes any camp that for a period of four or more days continuously provides residential services, including overnight accommodations for the duration of the camp session.
(5) "Youth camp" means a facility or property, other than a facility required to be licensed by the Department of Family and Protective Services, that:
(A) has the general characteristics of a day camp, resident camp, or travel camp;
(B) is used primarily or partially for recreational, athletic, religious, or educational activities; and
(C) accommodates at least five minors who attend or temporarily reside at the camp for all or part of at least four days.
(6) "Youth camp operator" means a person who owns, operates, controls, or supervises a youth camp, regardless of profit.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 8.076, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1373, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.003. LICENSE REQUIRED.
A person may not own, operate, control, or supervise a youth camp unless the person:
(1) holds a license issued under this chapter for that camp; and
(2) complies with this chapter and department rules and orders.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.004. LICENSE APPLICATION AND ISSUANCE.
(a) To obtain a license, a person must submit a license application accompanied by a license fee in an amount set by the executive commissioner by rule.
(b) On receiving a license application, the department shall inspect the applicant's facilities, operations, and premises and shall issue a license to each applicant who will operate a youth camp in accordance with this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter.
(c) The department shall issue serially numbered licenses.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1110, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.005. LICENSE RENEWAL.
(a) A person holding a license issued under this chapter must:
(1) renew the license annually by submitting a renewal application on a date determined by department rule on a form provided by the department; and
(2) submit a renewal application not later than the 30th day after the date the person:
(A) alters the boundaries of a youth camp operated by the person;
(B) completes construction of one or more new cabins located on the premises of the camp; or
(C) completes any renovation to one or more existing cabins located on the premises of the camp that:
(i) increases or decreases the number of beds in an affected cabin; or
(ii) alters the method of ingress or egress to an affected cabin.
(b) The application must be accompanied by a renewal fee in an amount set by the executive commissioner by rule.
(c) The department may not renew the license of a youth camp which has not corrected deficiencies before the application for renewal is submitted. The executive commissioner shall adopt substantive and procedural rules for the submission by a youth camp operator of evidence that a deficiency or deficiencies have been corrected.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1373, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1110, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.006. PRINCIPAL AUTHORITY FOR YOUTH CAMPS.
The department is the principal authority on matters relating to health and safety conditions at youth camps. In addition to the powers and duties established by this chapter, the department has any other powers necessary and convenient to carry out its responsibilities under this chapter.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.007. INSPECTIONS.
(a) An employee or agent of the department may enter any property for which a license is issued under this chapter, property for which a license application to operate a youth camp is pending, or property on which a youth camp is in operation to investigate and inspect conditions relating to the health and safety of the campers.
(b) An employee or agent who enters a youth camp to investigate and inspect conditions shall notify the person in charge of the camp of the inspector's presence and shall present proper credentials. The department may exercise the remedies authorized by Section 141.015 (b) if the employee or agent is not allowed to enter.
(c) The executive commissioner may prescribe reasonable record-keeping requirements for licensed youth camps, including a requirement that the youth camp keep records relating to matters involving the health and safety of campers. An employee or agent of the department may examine, during regular business hours, any records relating to the health and safety of campers.
(d) An employee or agent of the department who enters a youth camp to investigate and inspect conditions shall:
(1) notify the person in charge of the camp or the person's designee of any violations as they are discovered; and
(2) allow the camp to correct the violations while the investigation and inspection is occurring.
(e) The department may not extend or delay an investigation or inspection to allow the youth camp to correct a violation under Subsection (d)(2).
(f) An employee or agent of the department performing an investigation and inspection under this section may not report a violation that is significant under the department's rules if the violation is corrected during the investigation and inspection.
(g) A penalty may not be imposed on a youth camp for a violation that is significant under the department's rules if the violation is corrected during an investigation and inspection under this section.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 636, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.008. ADOPTION OF RULES; EXEMPTION FROM APPLICATION OF CERTAIN RULES.
(a) The executive commissioner may adopt rules to implement this chapter. In adopting the rules the executive commissioner shall comply with Subchapter B , Chapter 2001 , Government Code, including Sections 2001.032 (b) and 2001.033 , Government Code.
(b) A youth camp operator may grant an exemption from compliance with a rule that requires physical examinations or inoculations for children or staff if the exemption is requested on the grounds of religious convictions.
(c) The department shall review the camper to counselor ratios for overnight stays at youth camps and provide to the executive commissioner recommendations regarding minimum camper to counselor ratios. The executive commissioner by rule shall establish minimum camper to counselor ratios for overnight stays at youth camps.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 636, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.009. STANDARDS.
The executive commissioner by rule shall establish health and safety standards for youth camps. The standards may relate to:
(1) adequate and proper supervision at all times of camp activities;
(2) qualifications for directors, supervisors, and staff and sufficient numbers of those persons;
(3) proper safeguards for sanitation and public health;
(4) adequate medical services for personal health and first aid;
(5) proper procedures for food preparation, handling, and mass feeding;
(6) healthful and sufficient water supply;
(7) proper waste disposal;
(8) proper water safety procedures for swimming pools, lakes, and waterways;
(9) safe boating equipment;
(10) proper maintenance and safe use of motor vehicles;
(11) safe buildings and physical facilities;
(12) proper fire precautions;
(13) safe and proper recreational and other equipment;
(14) proper regard for density and use of the premises; and
(15) records of criminal convictions of camp personnel.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1373, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.010. ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) The executive commissioner shall appoint a committee to advise the executive commissioner in the development of standards and procedures, make recommendations to the executive commissioner regarding the content of the rules adopted to implement this chapter, and perform any other functions requested by the executive commissioner in the implementation and administration of the chapter.
(b) The advisory committee may not exceed nine members, at least two of whom shall be members of the general public. The other members should be experienced camping professionals who represent the camping communities of the state. In making the appointments, the executive commissioner shall attempt to reflect the geographic diversity of the state in proportion to the number of camps licensed by the department in each geographic area of the state.
(c) Advisory committee members serve for staggered six-year terms, with the terms of three members expiring on August 31 of each odd-numbered year.
(d) A vacancy on the advisory committee is filled by the executive commissioner in the same manner as other appointments to the advisory committee.
(e) The advisory committee will meet annually and at the call of the commissioner.
(f) The advisory committee may elect a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary from among its members and may adopt rules for the conduct of its own activities.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 636, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.011. OPERATOR'S DUTY.
A youth camp operator shall provide each camper with safe and healthful conditions, facilities, and equipment that are free from recognized hazards that cause or may tend to cause death, serious illness, or bodily harm.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Renumbered from Sec. 141.010 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.012. LICENSE REVOCATION.
(a) If the department finds that a violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter has occurred or is occurring at a youth camp for which a license has been issued, the department shall give written notice to the licensee setting forth the nature of the violation and demanding that the violation cease.
(b) The department may initiate proceedings to revoke the license if the licensee refuses or fails to comply with the notice in the time and manner directed in the notice.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Renumbered from Sec. 141.011 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.013. HEARINGS.
(a) The department may:
(1) call and conduct hearings;
(2) administer oaths;
(3) receive evidence;
(4) issue subpoenas for witnesses, papers, and documents related to the hearing; and
(5) make findings of fact and decisions concerning the administration of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter.
(b) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, Sec. 3.1639(47), eff. April 2, 2015.
(c) Reasonable notice of the hearing shall be given to all involved parties.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Renumbered from Sec. 141.012 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.014. JUDICIAL REVIEW.
A person affected by a ruling, order, or other act of the department may appeal the action.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Renumbered from Sec. 141.013 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.015. CIVIL PENALTY; INJUNCTION.
(a) A person who violates this chapter or a rule or order adopted under this chapter is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $50 or more than $1,000 for each act of violation.
(b) If it appears that a person has violated, is violating, or is threatening to violate this chapter or a rule or order adopted under this chapter, the department may bring a civil action in a district court for:
(1) injunctive relief to restrain the person from continuing the violation or threat of violation;
(2) the assessment of a civil penalty; or
(3) both injunctive relief and a civil penalty.
(c) The district court, on a finding that the person is violating this chapter or a rule or order adopted under this chapter, shall grant the injunctive relief, assess a civil penalty, or both, as warranted by the facts.
(d) The department may petition a district court for a temporary restraining order to immediately halt a violation or other action creating an emergency condition if it appears that a person:
(1) is violating or threatening to violate this chapter or a rule or order adopted under this chapter; or
(2) is taking any other action that creates an emergency condition that constitutes an imminent danger to the health, safety, or welfare of campers at a youth camp.
(e) An action for injunctive relief, recovery of a civil penalty, or both, may be brought in the county in which the defendant resides or in which the violation or threat of violation occurs.
(f) In an action for injunctive relief under this section, the court may grant any prohibitory or mandatory injunction warranted by the facts, including temporary restraining orders, temporary injunctions, and permanent injunctions. The court shall grant injunctive relief without a bond or other undertaking by the department.
(g) An appellate court shall give precedence to an action brought under this section over other cases of a different nature on the docket of the court.
(h) A civil penalty recovered in an action brought by the department under this chapter shall be deposited to the credit of the youth camp health and safety fund.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Renumbered from Sec. 141.014 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.016. ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY.
(a) The department may assess an administrative penalty if a person violates this chapter or a rule or order adopted or license issued under this chapter.
(b) In determining the amount of the penalty, the department shall consider:
(1) the person's previous violations;
(2) the seriousness of the violation;
(3) any hazard to the health and safety of the public;
(4) the person's demonstrated good faith; and
(5) such other matters as justice may require.
(c) The penalty may not exceed $1,000 a day for each violation.
(d) Each day a violation continues may be considered a separate violation.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1373, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 636, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.017. ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE.
(a) An administrative penalty may be assessed only after a person charged with a violation is given an opportunity for a hearing.
(b) If a hearing is held, the administrative law judge shall make findings of fact and shall issue a written proposal for decision regarding the occurrence of the violation and the amount of the penalty that may be warranted.
(c) If the person charged with the violation does not request a hearing, the department may assess a penalty after determining that a violation has occurred and the amount of the penalty that may be warranted.
(d) After making a determination under this section that a penalty is to be assessed against a person, the department shall issue an order requiring that the person pay the penalty.
(e) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1, Sec. 3.1639(47), eff. April 2, 2015.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.018. PAYMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY.
(a) Not later than the 30th day after the date an order finding that a violation has occurred is issued, the department shall inform the person against whom the order is issued of the amount of the penalty for the violation.
(b) Not later than the 30th day after the date on which a decision or order charging a person with a penalty is final, the person shall:
(1) pay the penalty in full; or
(2) file a petition for judicial review of the department's order contesting the amount of the penalty, the fact of the violation, or both.
(b-1) Within the period prescribed by Subsection (b), a person who files a petition for judicial review may:
(1) stay enforcement of the penalty by:
(A) paying the penalty to the court for placement in an escrow account; or
(B) posting with the court a supersedeas bond for the amount of the penalty; or
(2) request that the department stay enforcement of the penalty by:
(A) filing with the court a sworn affidavit of the person stating that the person is financially unable to pay the penalty and is financially unable to give the supersedeas bond; and
(B) sending a copy of the affidavit to the department.
(b-2) If the department receives a copy of an affidavit under Subsection (b-1)(2), the department may file with the court, within five days after the date the copy is received, a contest to the affidavit. The court shall hold a hearing on the facts alleged in the affidavit as soon as practicable and shall stay the enforcement of the penalty on finding that the alleged facts are true. The person who files an affidavit has the burden of proving that the person is financially unable to pay the penalty or to give a supersedeas bond.
(c) A bond posted under this section must be in a form approved by the court and be effective until all judicial review of the order or decision is final.
(d) A person who does not send money to, post the bond with, or file the affidavit with the court within the period prescribed by Subsection (b) waives all rights to contest the violation or the amount of the penalty.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.019. REFUND OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY.
On the date the court's judgment that an administrative penalty against a person should be reduced or not assessed becomes final, the court shall order that:
(1) the appropriate amount of any penalty payment plus accrued interest be remitted to the person not later than the 30th day after that date; or
(2) the bond be released, if the person has posted a bond.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.020. RECOVERY OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY BY ATTORNEY GENERAL.
The attorney general at the request of the department may bring a civil action to recover an administrative penalty under this chapter.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 251, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0021. EXEMPTION.
This chapter does not apply to a facility or program operated by or on the campus of an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education as those terms are defined by Section 61.003 , Education Code, that is regularly inspected by one or more local governmental entities for compliance with health and safety standards.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0025. WAIVER; APPEAL.
(a) The department may grant a waiver from the requirements of this chapter to a program that:
(1) is sponsored by a religious organization as defined by Section 464.051 ;
(2) has been in operation for at least 30 consecutive years;
(3) operates one camp for not more than seven days in any year;
(4) has not more than 80 campers;
(5) is conducted by adult participants who are all volunteers;
(6) operates in a county with a population of at least 4,000 but not more than 4,350; and
(7) ensures that background checks are conducted on and the training required under Section 141.0095 is completed by each adult participating in the program.
(b) A waiver granted by the department under Subsection (a) is valid until the waiver is revoked for cause by the department.
(c) A person who operates a program for which an application for a waiver under this section has been denied or for which a waiver under this section has been revoked may appeal the action in the manner provided for appeal of contested cases under Chapter 2001 , Government Code.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146 (H.B. 492 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0035. LICENSE FEES.
(a) The executive commissioner by rule shall establish the amount of the fee for obtaining or renewing a license under this chapter. The executive commissioner shall set the fee in a reasonable amount designed to recover the direct and indirect costs to the department of administering and enforcing this chapter. The executive commissioner may set fees in a different amount for resident youth camps and day youth camps to reflect differences in the costs of administering and enforcing this chapter for resident and day camps.
(b) Repealed by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 3 (S.B. 1 ), Sec. 7, eff. September 5, 2025.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1110, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0051. LICENSE; CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN CONVICTIONS.
In making a determination on issuance, renewal, or revocation of a youth camp operator's license, the department shall consider whether the youth camp employs an individual who was convicted of an act of sexual abuse, as defined by Section 21.02 , Penal Code, that occurred at the camp.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1325 (H.B. 4372 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0052. PROHIBITED LICENSURE OF YOUTH CAMPS WITHIN FLOODPLAIN; EXCEPTION.
(a) The department shall not issue or renew a youth camp license for a youth camp that operates one or more cabins located within a floodplain.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the department may issue or renew a license to a youth camp described by Subsection (a) only if:
(1) each cabin location within a floodplain is a result of the cabin's proximity to a lake, pond, or other still body of water that:
(A) is not connected to a stream, river, or other watercourse; or
(B) is dammed; or
(2) each cabin is at least 1,000 feet from a floodway.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 3 (S.B. 1 ), Sec. 4, eff. September 5, 2025.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0056. ONLINE YOUTH CAMP REGISTRY.
The department shall post, maintain, and update on the department's Internet website a list of each youth camp with an active license issued under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 3 (S.B. 1 ), Sec. 4, eff. September 5, 2025.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0071. ADDITIONAL INSPECTION REQUIRED; PARENTAL COMPLAINTS.
(a) A youth camp operator shall include in a prominent place on the youth camp's publicly accessible Internet website a clearly marked link to the youth camp program web page on the department's Internet website for campers, parents, and camp staff and volunteers to use to report the camp's noncompliance with this chapter.
(b) The department shall investigate each complaint filed with the department for a youth camp to ensure the youth camp operator is properly implementing the camp's approved emergency plan submitted as required under Section 141.0091 and the camp complies with this chapter.
(c) A department investigation under this section must include an inspection to ensure the youth camp's compliance with this chapter. The inspection shall be performed in the same manner as an inspection under Section 141.007 .
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 2 (H.B. 1 ), Sec. 5, eff. September 5, 2025.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0081. YOUTH CAMP SAFETY MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM.
(a) The Youth Camp Safety Multidisciplinary Team is created within the department and is composed of at least one representative from:
(1) the department;
(2) the Texas Division of Emergency Management;
(3) the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal's Office;
(4) the Parks and Wildlife Department;
(5) the Texas Water Development Board;
(6) the Texas A&M Forest Service; and
(7) the Department of Public Safety.
(b) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall serve as the chair of the team.
(c) The team shall meet regularly to develop proposed minimum standards for youth camps under this chapter. The team shall present the proposed minimum standards to the executive commissioner as recommendations for adoption.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 2 (H.B. 1 ), Sec. 5, eff. September 5, 2025.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0085. REPORTS OF ABUSE; DUTIES OF YOUTH CAMP OPERATOR.
(a) The executive commissioner by rule shall establish a procedure for the department to forward a report of alleged abuse of a camper that is received by the department to the Department of Family and Protective Services or another appropriate agency.
(b) If a law enforcement agency notifies a youth camp operator of the investigation or conviction of an individual who is employed by the camp for an act of sexual abuse, as defined by Section 21.02 , Penal Code, that occurred at the camp, the operator shall:
(1) immediately notify the department of the investigation or conviction; and
(2) retain all records related to the investigation or conviction until the department notifies the camp that the record retention is no longer required.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1325 (H.B. 4372 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0091. ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS; EMERGENCY PLAN.
(a) As part of the health and safety standards established under Section 141.009 , the executive commissioner by rule shall make applicable to a youth camp the requirements of Chapter 762 in the same manner as those requirements apply to a campground under that chapter.
(b) The executive commissioner by rule shall require a youth camp operator in the emergency plan the operator develops for a youth camp to:
(1) specify muster zones for campers and camp staff to gather in an emergency event that requires evacuation from any location within the premises of the camp;
(2) establish procedures for responding to an emergency event, other than an event addressed by Section 762.002 , including:
(A) a lost camper;
(B) a fire on the premises of the camp;
(C) a severe injury, severe illness, serious accident, or death of one or more campers, visitors, camp staff, or camp volunteers that occurs:
(i) on camp premises; or
(ii) while under the supervision of camp staff;
(D) an aquatic emergency if the camp borders a watercourse, lake, pond, or any other body of water;
(E) an epidemic;
(F) an unauthorized or unknown individual present on the camp's premises;
(G) a transportation emergency; and
(H) any other natural disaster or emergency event required under department rules;
(3) establish procedures to identify and account for each camper affected by the emergency event;
(4) establish procedures to notify and communicate with:
(A) local emergency management services, including the emergency management director or coordinator designated under Section 418.1015 , Government Code, by the political subdivision within which the camp is located;
(B) camp administrative and medical services staff; and
(C) the parents or legal guardians of each camper identified under Subdivision (3); and
(5) designate a camp emergency preparedness coordinator.
(c) The executive commissioner by rule shall require a youth camp operator to, at each youth camp the operator operates:
(1) maintain an operable radio capable of providing real-time weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service or a similar professional weather service at the camp;
(2) install and maintain at the camp an emergency warning system that:
(A) is capable of alerting all campers and camp occupants of an emergency; and
(B) includes a public address system operable without reliance on an Internet connection;
(3) monitor safety alerts issued:
(A) by the National Weather Service or a similar professional weather service; and
(B) by local river authorities, if applicable to the camp, or through other local emergency notification systems; and
(4) certify the operator's compliance with this subsection.
(d) In developing a youth camp's emergency plan, a youth camp operator must annually submit the initial or updated plan to the department for approval in the form and manner the department prescribes.
(e) If the department determines a youth camp's submitted emergency plan does not meet the minimum standards prescribed by department rules, the youth camp operator shall revise and resubmit the plan not later than the 45th day after the date the operator receives notice from the department of the plan's deficiencies.
(f) A youth camp operator shall include any updated youth camp emergency plan as an attachment to each application to renew the operator's license under Section 141.005 .
(g) Notwithstanding Section 762.002 (c), not later than the 10th business day following the date the department approves a youth camp's emergency plan or, if the department determines the plan is deficient under Subsection (e), the camp's revised emergency plan, the operator shall provide a copy of the plan to:
(1) for a camp located in a municipality, the emergency management director or coordinator designated under Section 418.1015 , Government Code, for the municipality; and
(2) the emergency management director or coordinator designated under Section 418.1015 , Government Code, for the county.
(h) In developing a youth camp's emergency plan, a youth camp operator may consult with an emergency management director or coordinator described by Subsection (g).
(i) The department shall store in a digital database each emergency plan submitted to the department under this section or Section 762.002 and provide access to that database to:
(1) the Texas Division of Emergency Management; and
(2) each member of the Youth Camp Safety Multidisciplinary Team created under Section 141.0081 .
(j) A youth camp operator shall:
(1) provide the most recent version of a youth camp's emergency plan submitted under this section to the parent or legal guardian of:
(A) a camper who is participating in a camp session; or
(B) a prospective camper who is registered to participate in a future camp session;
(2) notify the parent or legal guardian of a camper or prospective camper described by Subdivision (1) if any area of the camp is located within a floodplain; and
(3) ensure the parent or legal guardian signs and submits to the operator a statement acknowledging receipt of the notice required under Subdivision (2).
(k) Not more than 48 hours after each youth camp session begins, the youth camp operator or a youth camp staff member shall conduct a mandatory safety orientation that:
(1) notifies each camper of the camp's boundaries and any hazards present on the camp premises;
(2) instructs each camper on behavioral expectations in an emergency event; and
(3) provides each camper developmentally appropriate instruction on the appropriate actions and procedures to follow in an emergency event, in accordance with the camp's emergency plan required under this section and Section 762.002 .
(l) At least once a year, a youth camp operator shall:
(1) provide each youth camp staff member and volunteer with a copy of the camp's most recent emergency plan;
(2) ensure each staff member and volunteer successfully completes training on the camp's emergency plan in compliance with any minimum standards and required hours established by department rule;
(3) instruct each staff member and volunteer on the proper procedures to follow in an emergency event under the plan; and
(4) maintain written records documenting each staff member's and volunteer's successful completion of the training required under this subsection.
(m) A youth camp operator shall:
(1) conspicuously post in each cabin on the youth camp premises the proper evacuation route described in the youth camp's emergency plan; and
(2) ensure each evacuation route on the camp premises is illuminated at night.
(n) Notwithstanding Section 141.0025 , the department shall not grant a waiver from a requirement prescribed under this section or Chapter 762 .
(o) An emergency plan submitted to, received by, or accessed by the department, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, an emergency management director or coordinator designated under Section 418.1015 , Government Code, or any other governmental entity under this section is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552 , Government Code.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 2 (H.B. 1 ), Sec. 5, eff. September 5, 2025.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 3 (S.B. 1 ), Sec. 4, eff. September 5, 2025.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0092. REDUNDANT INTERNET CONNECTIONS REQUIRED.
(a) In this section, "broadband service" has the meaning assigned by Section 490I.0101 , Government Code.
(b) A youth camp operator shall provide and maintain for a youth camp:
(1) Internet services through a broadband service that connects to the Internet using end-to-end fiber optic facilities; and
(2) a secondary Internet connection through a broadband service distinct from the service described under Subdivision (1).
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 2 (H.B. 1 ), Sec. 5, eff. September 5, 2025.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 3 (S.B. 1 ), Sec. 4, eff. September 5, 2025.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0093. REQUIRED NOTICE FOR MODIFICATION OF CERTAIN YOUTH CAMP STRUCTURES OR ACTIVITY LOCATIONS.
(a) A youth camp operator shall notify the department, in the form and manner prescribed by the department, of any modification to:
(1) a structure intended to facilitate youth camp activities; or
(2) the location of a camp activity on the camp's premises.
(b) On receiving notification of a modification described by Subsection (a), the department may require the youth camp operator to update the youth camp's emergency plan under Section 141.0091 .
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 2 (H.B. 1 ), Sec. 5, eff. September 5, 2025.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0094. DENIAL OR SUSPENSION OF LICENSE FOR NONCOMPLIANCE.
(a) The department shall not issue a license or renew a license for a youth camp under this chapter if the youth camp operator is not in compliance with Sections 141.0091 and 141.0092 or a rule adopted under those sections.
(b) The department shall suspend a youth camp license issued by the department if the camp or youth camp operator is in violation of Section 141.0091 or 141.0092 . The department may reinstate the license only on or after the date the department determines the camp and the operator are in compliance with Sections 141.0091 and 141.0092 .
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 2 (H.B. 1 ), Sec. 5, eff. September 5, 2025.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0095. TRAINING AND EXAMINATION PROGRAM.
(a) A person holding a license issued under this chapter may not employ or accept the volunteer service of an individual for a position involving contact with campers at a youth camp unless:
(1) the individual submits to the person or the youth camp has on file documentation that verifies the individual within the preceding two years successfully completed the training and examination program required by this section; or
(2) the individual successfully completes the youth camp's training and examination program, which must be approved by the department as required by this section, during the individual's first workweek and the youth camp issues and files documentation verifying that fact.
(b) A person holding a license issued under this chapter must retain in the person's records a copy of the documentation required or issued under Subsection (a) for each employee or volunteer until the second anniversary of the examination date.
(c) A person applying for or holding an employee or volunteer position involving contact with campers at a youth camp must successfully complete the training and examination program on sexual abuse and child molestation required by this section during the applicable period described by Subsection (a).
(d) In accordance with this section, the executive commissioner by rule shall establish criteria and guidelines for training and examination programs on sexual abuse and child molestation. The department may approve training and examination programs offered by trainers under contract with youth camps or by online training organizations or may approve programs offered in another format authorized by the department.
(e) A training and examination program on sexual abuse and child molestation approved by the department must include training and an examination on:
(1) the definitions and effects of sexual abuse and child molestation;
(2) the typical patterns of behavior and methods of operation of child molesters and sex offenders that put children at risk;
(3) the warning signs and symptoms associated with sexual abuse or child molestation, recognition of the signs and symptoms, and the recommended methods of reporting suspected abuse; and
(4) the recommended rules and procedures for youth camps to implement to address, reduce, prevent, and report suspected sexual abuse or child molestation.
(f) The department may assess a fee in the amount set by the executive commissioner by rule as necessary to cover the costs of administering this section to each person that applies for the department's approval of a training and examination program on sexual abuse and child molestation under this section.
(g) The department at least every five years shall review each training and examination program on sexual abuse and child molestation approved by the department to ensure the program continues to meet the criteria and guidelines established by rule under this section.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 860 (S.B. 990 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0111. REQUIRED INFORMATION ABOUT ABUSE REPORTING.
A youth camp operator shall develop and maintain a written policy regarding the method for reporting to the department suspected abuse occurring at the camp. The operator on request of any person shall provide a copy of the policy to the person.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1325 (H.B. 4372 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2019.
Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 141.0112. REQUIRED NOTICE ABOUT YOUTH CAMP COMPLAINTS AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS.
(a) The department shall post on the department's Internet website each youth camp compliance order issued by the department until at least the third anniversary of the date the compliance order was finally adjudicated.
(b) A youth camp operator shall include on the camp's publicly accessible Internet website a clearly marked link to the youth camp program web page on the department's Internet website.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1325 (H.B. 4372 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2019.