I’m trying to pass legislation that would require all youth camps to conduct a sitespecific hazard assessment prior to licensure or renewal and to develop an emergency action plan.
House Bill 1675 would require response protocols for each severe weather hazard applicable to a campsite, including evacuation routes and other items outlined in the measure.
The goal is to keep kids and camp staff safe. Camp should be fun. But we learned last year that camps that are not prepared for severe weather events can become deadly spaces. We all watched in horror news reports from Camp Mystic in Texas where 25 young campers were killed along with two camp counselors and a camp director.
My legislation is not intended to put unreasonable requirements on camp owners and operators. It’s not an attack against religion. It’s not even as aggressive as legislation passed in Texas.
Under this bill, camp owners and operators would work with local emergency management to make sure their emergency and evacuation plans are known and detailed. Under the measure, youth camps would be required to maintain two independent methods of receiving severe weather alerts, an internal communication system, procedures for notifying guardians, and provide access to shelters. Potential threats of severe weather and emergency response procedures must be disclosed to all participants. Camp staff are required to receive annual emergency procedure and hazard recognition training and conduct periodic drills. A copy of the emergency action plan must be kept on file with the applicable local emergency management agency. Local emergency management agencies are authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement these provisions and can impose corrective action plans, civil penalties, and suspend or revoke licensure for material noncompliance.
This bill passed the House on a vote of 91 in favor and only two against. It’s been assigned to the Rules Committee in the State Senate. I’m hopeful everyone will see the intent of what this bill is really asking – to keep our children safe and to give parents this assurance.
In other news, The Oklahoma Transportation Commission announced April 7 that it approved the joint venture of Zachry Construction and Traylor Bros., Inc. to move forward with the replacement of the US-70 Roosevelt Bridge over Lake Texoma. The next step will be for the selected team to deliver final design and construction services for the bridge replacement project.
The project will include: Construction of a new four lane bridge across Lake Texoma; Improvements to roadway approaches along US-70; Enhanced safety features, such as full shoulders and lighting; Coordination with local communities and regional partners throughout construction Construction is expected to begin later this summer, with completion anticipated in the fall of 2029.
Remember, if I can help you with anything, please do not hesitate to reach out: (405) 557-7383 or Josh. Cantrell@OKHouse.gov.
Josh Cantrell serves District 49 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Love County and parts of Carter and Marshall counties.