A growing dispute over new safety requirements for Texas youth summer camps is leaving hundreds of operators in regulatory limbo just months before the 2026 season.
In a joint statement, Dustin Burrows and Dan Patrick urged the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to show flexibility when issuing licenses to camps that meet most safety standards but lack a newly mandated fiber-optic internet connection.
“The Texas Legislature’s comprehensive camp safety act, passed in response to last summer’s tragic flooding disaster, has strengthened safety standards for camps statewide. These reforms establish a more rigorous approach to preparedness, including long-overdue requirements such as comprehensive emergency planning and training and redundant internet access,” the pair wrote. “We recognize that some camps have been unable to meet the redundant internet requirement because the law requires camps to install new fiber-optic internet infrastructure. We also recognize that there may be means other than fiber to provide reliable redundant internet access, which would satisfy the purpose and spirit of the law.”
The law in question, passed after devastating flooding raised concerns about emergency readiness, requires camps to maintain two separate internet connections, including one “end-to-end fiber” line. Supporters say the redundancy ensures reliable communication during disasters. However, camp operators argue the mandate is costly and impractical, particularly in rural areas.
According to the latest DSHS data released last Friday, only nine camps have secured updated licenses for 2026. Another 243 camps have submitted applications but remain unapproved, largely due to the fiber requirement.
The financial burden has become a central point of contention. In a lawsuit filed by 19 camps seeking to block enforcement of the rule, one camp stated that “the estimated cost required to complete the build would exceed $1.2 million.”
Burrows and Patrick signaled support for allowing camps to operate if they meet other safety measures, including submitting emergency action plans and maintaining reliable communication systems. “We, the leadership of the Texas House and Texas Senate, support allowing camps to qualify for licensure through the Department of State Health Services to operate for the summer 2026 season if they have submitted a sufficient emergency action plan, meet all other safety requirements, and maintain a reliable communication system capable of operating during an emergency,” they wrote. They added that the upcoming legislative session could address gaps in the law.
Despite the statement, it remains unclear whether DSHS will alter its enforcement approach. Earlier requests from lawmakers, including Drew Darby and Charles Perry, to delay implementation of the fiber provision were unsuccessful.
Camps now face limited options. They can seek a court injunction, push for a special legislative session—an idea backed by Wes Virdell—or pursue appeals through the State Office of Administrative Hearings. As Pat Curry noted, camps denied licenses can enter an appeals process expected to take two to three months, during which they may continue operating under prior licenses.
The debate has also exposed divisions within Republican leadership. Brian Harrison sharply criticized the proposal to ease enforcement, posting: “Unfortunately, this is NOT LEGAL under HB1/SB1, which, indefensibly, passed both chambers (over my objections). Is it the official position of Texas leadership that we just pass stupid, liberal laws and then tell people to ignore them??”
