House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1 are both geared toward making it safer for kids at camp.
KERRVILLE, Texas — Texas lawmakers advanced bills during the second special session designed to make youth camps safer in the wake of the devastating July 4 flooding.
House Bill 1 would require every camp in Texas, not-for-profit or for-profit, church or commercial, to create, implement, and submit an annual emergency plan to state emergency officials., passed the House by a 136-1 vote.
Senate Bill 1 would prohibit Texas from granting a license to a kids’ camp if it’s in a floodplain. That vote passed the Senate, 28-0.
A day after the vote, Camp Mystic posted a message on its Instagram account. Below is that message.
“Dear Camp Mystic Families,
Camp Mystic shared the following statement today with Texas leaders regarding proposed legislation to enhance camp safety.
We are heartbroken over the loss of 27 precious campers and counselors at Camp Mystic. We are so inspired by the parents who, in the midst of their unimaginable grief, shared their daughters’ stories. We are praying for them and all those in our community who, like us, lost loved ones on July 4.
We join the families in supporting legislation that will make camps and communities along the Guadalupe River safer, especially the creation of detection and warning systems that would have saved lives on July 4. Dick Eastland gave his life fighting to save the girls whose care was entrusted to Camp Mystic. Whatever is included in the final measure by the Legislature, Camp Mystic will go above and beyond to support the safety and well-being of every camper and counselor.
Despite our collective and continued grief, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible first responders, volunteers and search and rescue teams who have stepped forward during our community’s greatest time of need. Their continued bravery, tireless dedication and compassion, especially amid the ongoing search and recovery efforts, have brought hope and comfort to so many. Their actions remind us of the strength we have when we come together.
Honoring the lives of the 27 precious campers and counselors has been and will continue to be our focus.
With love and prayers,
Tweety Eastland
Mary Liz and Edward Eastlan
Catie and Britt Eastland
Leslie and Richard Eastland”