Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced Tuesday they are urging the state to ease a new fiber-optic internet requirement that has threatened to block many summer camps from opening this season.
In a joint statement, the two legislative leaders said they support allowing youth camps to receive 2026 licenses from the Texas Department of State Health Services if they submit a sufficient emergency action plan, meet all other safety standards, and maintain any reliable communication system capable of working during an emergency. The move addresses widespread complaints that the strict “end-to-end fiber” mandate is unavailable or prohibitively expensive in rural areas.
The requirement stems from the state’s comprehensive camp safety law passed after the deadly July 4, 2025, flooding at Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country. That tragedy highlighted failures in emergency communications, prompting lawmakers to demand redundant broadband service — with at least one connection required to be hardwired fiber-optic — for all licensed youth camps. Many operators, especially those in remote locations, reported installation bids exceeding $1 million and said the infrastructure simply does not exist nearby.
My Joint statement with Speaker @Burrows4TX on 2026 Summer Camp Operations. https://t.co/pbFmFw5Fjn#txlege pic.twitter.com/QpXPA3O5hx
— Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (@LtGovTX) May 5, 2026
Nineteen camps filed suit in April seeking to block the rule, arguing it was unconstitutional and would force closures. As of early May, only a handful of the roughly 300 licensed camps statewide had received 2026 approval.
Patrick and Burrows stressed the flexibility is temporary for this summer only. They said the 90th Legislative Session next year will offer a chance to refine the standards while still improving safety.
The announcement provides relief for camp owners, parents and the thousands of Texas children who attend summer programs each year. DSHS oversees licensing and is expected to follow the leaders’ guidance so camps can proceed without interruption.
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