Safer Camps in Oklahoma: Camp Safety Bill HB 1675 Passed
Representative Josh Cantrell
Image courtesy of Oklahoma House of Representatives
On May 11, 2026, Oklahoma took a stand in the fight for camp safety. Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 1675 into law, making Oklahoma the latest state to take decisive action in response to the devastating Texas Hill Country flooding that claimed 27 young lives at Camp Mystic on July 4, 2025.
HB 1675 is the state’s first enforceable statewide youth camp emergency preparedness law and takes effect on November 1, 2026.
We are incredibly grateful to Representative Josh Cantrell and Senator Ally Seifried for championing this critical bill in their respective chambers, and for Governor Stitt’s strong support of the child safety legislation.
“Parents should never have to worry about their children’s safety when they send their kids off for a summer of fun at camp. What happened in Texas was a heartbreaking reminder that we can’t take emergency preparedness for granted.” - Senator Ally Seifried
This legislation will strengthen protections for kids who attend summer camps in Oklahoma through prevention-focused measures aimed at improving disaster preparedness and emergency readiness.
What HB 1675 Requires of Camps
Hazard assessments & emergency action plans must be completed by Jan. 1, 2027, and reviewed every three years.
Plans must cover severe weather risks specific to each site — including flooding, high winds, tornadoes, hail, lightning, extreme heat/cold, and wildfires.
Two ways to receive weather alerts are required, including one that doesn't rely on cell service.
On-site communication systems to alert staff and campers, along with evacuation procedures and access to shelters
Procedures for notifying parents/guardians during emergencies
Participants must be informed of weather threats and emergency procedures before attending.
Staff must receive annual training on emergency procedures and hazard recognition, plus conduct regular drills
Plans must be filed with the relevant regulating authority, which can issue penalties or close facilities for noncompliance.
Recreational Campground Requirements
Must have an emergency action plan for natural disasters and severe weather
Plans must identify evacuation routes and site-specific hazards.
Must include methods for issuing emergency alerts
Plans are filed with the local emergency management agency and updated annually.
"We're not trying to make this too hard for our camp owners or facility operators. We're just trying to make sure our youth are safe, our parents are aware of what plans are in place, and our emergency responders have up-to-date and accurate information should the need arise."
- Representative Josh Cantrell
Oklahoma now joins Texas and Alabama in leading a national movement to advance camp safety standards in honor of the Heaven’s 27 who lost their lives last summer while in care of Camp Mystic.
The Campaign for Camp Safety will continue working to expand these protections nationally so that parents can trust baseline safeguarding measures are in place at summer camps across America.
Join the movement at www.campaignforcampsafety.com
