Top Texas legislative leaders are urging state health officials to relax a new requirement that youth camps install fiber-optic internet systems, saying the rule could prevent many camps from opening this summer.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said Tuesday they support lifting the mandate for “end-to-end fiber optic facilities” as camps struggle to comply ahead of the 2026 season.
“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,” Patrick and Burrows said in a joint statement.
The requirement was adopted after a deadly July 4 flood in the Texas Hill Country that killed 25 campers, two counselors, and Camp Mystic’s executive director, Dick Eastland. Lawmakers said communication failures during the disaster — including downed phone lines and lack of cell service — hindered emergency response efforts.
Under current rules, camps seeking licenses from the Texas Department of State Health Services must submit emergency action plans, meet safety standards, and maintain reliable communication systems that can function during emergencies. The fiber-optic provision, along with a requirement for a second broadband connection, was intended to strengthen those systems.
With the summer season approaching, many camps say that the infrastructure requirements are difficult or impossible to meet, particularly in rural areas. Only a small number of camps have received licenses so far, leaving hundreds awaiting approval.
In April, 19 camps filed a lawsuit in Travis County challenging the rule, arguing it does not improve safety, violates property rights, and could force closures. The camps said service providers either could not deliver the required connections, could not verify compliance with “end-to-end” standards, or quoted costs far beyond their means.
Some camps reported installation costs exceeding $1 million, along with thousands of dollars in monthly service fees. The lawsuit also noted that the rule does not account for locations where fiber service is unavailable or financially impractical.
Patrick and Burrows said they support allowing camps to operate this summer if they meet other safety requirements and demonstrate reliable emergency communication capabilities.
Lawmakers indicated the issue will likely be revisited during the next legislative session in 2027.
“The upcoming 90th Legislative Session will provide an opportunity to further strengthen camp safety standards while ensuring camps operating in good faith under these new requirements can continue to serve Texas children and families,” they said.
The Department of State Health Services has not publicly responded to the latest request for flexibility. The status of the lawsuit remains unclear if the requirement is ultimately lifted.
