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More Families Join Camp Mystic Suits as Texas Enforces New Camp-Safety Laws

Texas moved to tighten camp safety after a July 4 flood at Camp Mystic killed 27.

Overview

  • Attorneys said five additional families were added Friday to the Getten lawsuit, bringing participation to at least 19 families across four wrongful-death cases.
  • The filings accuse the camp of failing to warn parents about floodplain risks, lacking evacuation plans and training, ignoring flood warnings, and using inadequate alert systems, with some suits seeking $1 million in damages.
  • Camp Mystic’s legal counsel says the flood surge was unprecedented and unexpected and that no adequate warning systems existed in the area, pledging a detailed response in court.
  • Statewide reforms now require written emergency plans submitted to TDEM and DSHS by May 1, 2026, staff training, parental floodplain disclosures, DSHS inspections, and a ban on cabins in FEMA-designated floodplains.
  • Texas is also launching a program to identify locations for warning sirens and to fund installations through grants, while the region’s disaster left at least 135 dead and the camp plans a partial 2026 reopening with a memorial.