Texas Senate Passes Bipartisan Camp Safety Bill

After the Texas House passed a relief package on Thursday, including a camp safety bill, the Texas Senate quickly and unanimously voted on the camp safety bill Thursday night. Gov. Greg Abbott applauded both chambers saying he will sign it into law.

The first bill the legislature passed in the second special session prioritizes camp safety regulations in response to the devastating July 4 flash flood event that killed 27 girl campers and counselors at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas.

Their parents testified before the Texas Senate for the first time on Wednesday in support of the bill. They also said their daughters’ deaths were “100% preventable,” arguing the camp didn’t have safety protocols in place, The Center Square reported.

Overall, at least 137 people were killed from the flash flood in several counties. The majority were killed in Kerr County, 108, including 37 children. The remains of two confirmed missing have yet to be found.

After House business was halted during the first special session by absconding House Democrats, all House Democrats voted for the bill on Thursday. It nearly passed unanimously. One Republican holdout voted against it, expressing opposition to amendments added by Democrats and other language, The Center Square reported.

After the bill passed, Speaker Dustin Burrows said, “This summer’s tragic flooding has left profound impact on our state – taking the lives of innocent adults and children, devastating families and entire communities, and breaking the hearts of every Texan. From this tragedy, the Texas Legislature stepped up to examine the systems and processes in need of improvement so we are better prepared for all future emergencies.”