“Heaven’s 27” Parents Applaud Gov. Greg Abbott for Signing Camp Safety Reforms into Law

Photos provided by the Office of the Governor

A coalition of parents of the Camp Mystic flood victims, known as the “Heaven’s 27,” today praised Governor Greg Abbott for swiftly signing Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1 into law. Families joined Gov. Abbott at the governor’s mansion to recognize the bipartisan effort behind these landmark reforms, which set the strongest camp safety standards in Texas history. 

The new laws establish clear requirements for emergency planning, safety oversight and that no sleeping cabins can be in a floodplain near dangerous parts of a river. The reforms ensure that youth camps in Texas are safer starting next summer.

 "We came together as families dealing with unbearable heartache, and today we stand together in gratitude,” said Katie and Clarke Baker, parents of Mary Grace Baker (8). “The legislature listened, and Texas children will be safer because of it."

The families emphasized that while no law can undo their loss, these reforms represent a critical step forward for camp safety across the state.

"No parent should ever worry that sending their child to camp could end in tragedy. These new protections mean peace of mind for every Texas family," said Tim and Missy Peck, parents of Eloise (“Lulu”) Peck (8). 

The Campaign for Camp Safety, which was launched by a coalition of parents whose daughters died in the care of Camp Mystic on July 4, 2025, also called on the public to stay engaged as it continues to champion legislation and ongoing implementation of common-sense safety measures for youth camps nationally.

You can learn more about this new camp safety legislation here.