Texas Senate unanimously passes bill to protect children at youth camps

AUSTIN, Texas — Some parents of the 27 Camp Mystic campers who tragically died during last month’s flash floods openly wept and handed out tissues to each other as state senators shared their condolences.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told the families that they will always be there for them, and their story will never end.

Now, families and lawmakers want to prevent another tragedy from happening through Senate Bill 1, or the “Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act.” The bill, authored by State Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), requires youth camps and campgrounds to maintain real-time weather alert systems, train staff on evacuation routines and develop emergency preparedness plans. 

Camps must also tell families about the potential risks, and make sure every staff member is educated on emergency procedures. 

It will also ban camps from being placed in dangerous river floodplains. Before lawmakers voted on the bill, State Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) said camps will have safe spaces. 

“And even though despite this horrific loss of life that they suffered, they want camping to continue, members,” Bettencourt said. “That’s because at heart, that is Texas values, that’s American values, it’s what we all hope that our kids can do without an issue.”

State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin) also addressed the parents, praising what she calls their “remarkable advocacy.” 

“Being in grief from a mass tragedy is no club that anyone wants to be in,” Eckhardt said. “Thank you for advocating not only for the Heaven 27, but also for every other family who has ever experienced a tragedy like this.”

Before the Senate voted, the families stood up as lawmakers remembered the names of the Heaven 27, sharing their stories and what their loved ones will miss most about them. 

The bill went on to unanimously pass, with families embracing each other as they left.