Senate Bill 1, known as the “Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act,” passed to its third reading Wednesday on a 122–8 vote. The measure would prohibit licenses for camps with cabins in floodplains and require camps to establish emergency plans.
The push for change comes after July 4 floods killed more than 130 people across the region — including 27 girls and counselors at Camp Mystic in Kerr County.
Parents whose children died in the early July floods spoke out in August, pressing lawmakers to act.
“I am haunted by the events that took place on July 4th,” said Caitlin Bonner, who lost her daughter Lila in the flooding. “She lost her life at Camp Mystic, where I spent 10 summers.”
Parents who lost children say stronger regulations are long overdue.
“Her life was needlessly taken. Our world has been shattered by a tragedy that was 100% preventable,” said Brandt Dillon, whose daughter Lucy also died at Camp Mystic.
Dillon said families’ futures were upended by what he described as a lack of preparation and planning.
“Every plan for our future. Every dream that included her has been destroyed by unsafe facilities, inadequate preparation, failed planning, and poor execution,” he said.
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Still, some lawmakers voiced concerns about the scope of the bill.
“There are issues with this bill,” said Rep. Wes Virdell (R). “It honestly should be left up to the counties because the counties know what’s best in their district, not a statewide rule.”
Rep. Brent Money added: “I fear we’re rushing this legislation.”
In addition to SB 1, lawmakers are considering several other flood-related measures, including proposals to regulate camps across Texas, improve volunteer management, and strengthen communication between agencies. Parents who lost children said they are urging lawmakers to act quickly.
“Lila was special. She was beautiful. She was pure. She was so kind,” Bonner said.
The House approved SB 1 on the third reading 122–8 vote, sending it forward before the end of the special session.
The flood-related bills are expected to be among the last considered before the end of the Legislature’s second special session.
