Texas Governor Enacts ‘Heaven’s 27’ Safety Law to Protect Children at Youth Camps

On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott took a significant step by signing a comprehensive set of bills aimed at enhancing safety protocols at youth camps throughout Texas. He emphasized the vital impact that summer camps have on children and the importance of safeguarding against potential future incidents.

The legislative package features House Bill 1, alongside Senate Bill 1, which is recognized as the Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, and also includes Senate Bill 3. The new measures enhance the scrutiny of youth camps, bolster emergency readiness, and introduce additional safeguards against flooding.

“Cecilia and I understand the significant impact that camps can have on our children’s lives,” Abbott stated in a release from the governor’s office. “These laws are paving the way for a brighter future for our children.”

The Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act establishes essential protocols for emergency planning, mandates annual staff training, and initiates the formation of a statewide Youth Camp Safety Team. The legislation additionally bars the issuance of most new camp licenses for facilities in areas identified by FEMA as floodplains, establishes an online registry for licensed camps, and broadens safety protocols to encompass campgrounds and RV parks.

The Youth CAMPER Act requires camps to maintain their emergency plans, ensure proper staff training, and conduct safety orientations for campers. If a camp is located in a floodplain, parents must receive written information to understand the associated risks. The responsibility for enforcement will be placed on the Texas Department of State Health Services, which will conduct inspections and oversee licensing activities.

Senate Bill 3 establishes a state grant program aimed at assisting communities vulnerable to flooding in implementing early-warning systems, broadening the reach of the reforms beyond just camps.

At the signing ceremony, Abbott stood alongside state lawmakers, local officials, and families who have been impacted by previous camp-related tragedies, including those connected to the “Heaven’s 27” flooding incident that served as the catalyst for the new legislation. The governor convened a private meeting with the affected families after the public address.

“These measures extend beyond mere compliance,” Abbott stated. “The focus is on safeguarding lives and providing Texas parents with the assurance they need to send their children to camp.”

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