Overview
- At least four new state lawsuits target Camp Mystic over the July 4 flood deaths of 25 campers and two counselors, with several complaints seeking $1 million in damages.
- Parents of 14 girls have filed wrongful-death claims alleging the camp failed to warn about flood risks, lacked evacuation planning, and told children to stay in cabins.
- Camp attorney Jeff Ray disputes the claims, calling the flood surge unprecedented and citing inadequate local warning systems, and the camp says it plans a partial 2026 reopening with a memorial and updated safety protocols.
- The Youth CAMPER Act mandates submission of detailed emergency plans to local officials, TDEM and DSHS by May 1, 2026, requires staff training and parental floodplain disclosures, and empowers DSHS to inspect and suspend or deny licenses.
- The Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act prohibits cabins in FEMA floodplains and requires DSHS to post a public compliance list, while SB 3 funds early-warning siren grants and directs statewide mapping of priority locations.