The Office of the Governor of the State of Oklahoma
08/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/12/2026 15:01
Governor Stitt Signs Camp Safety Bill to Help Protect Oklahoma Kids
OKLAHOMA CITY (August 12, 2026) - Governor Kevin Stitt today signed House Bill 1675, establishing stronger emergency-preparedness requirements for youth camps, outdoor programs and recreational campgrounds across Oklahoma.
By Jan. 1, 2027, covered facilities must identify site-specific hazards and put emergency plans in place to protect campers, staff and visitors.
"What happened at Camp Mystic in Texas was a tragedy no family should ever have to endure," said Governor Stitt. "We can't change the past, but we can learn from it. Oklahoma weather can turn on a dime, and this law is a commonsense way to make sure camps are ready, parents are informed and our kids are better protected."
Carrie Hanna, whose 8-year-old daughter Hadley died in the July 4, 2025, flooding at Camp Mystic, attended the signing with Hadley's sister, Harper, who survived the flooding. Hanna serves on the Safe Summers Foundation Advisory Council and founded Hugs for Hadley, a nonprofit supporting health, wellness, education and first responder initiatives in Hadley's memory.
Also attending were Elizabeth Phillips and Todd Latiolais of the No More Victims Alliance, along with Blake Bonner, co-founder of the Safe Summers Foundation. The foundation was established in memory of the 27 girls who died in the Camp Mystic flooding and works to promote prevention, preparation and protection at summer camps.
"Seeing House Bill 1675 signed into law moves us another step closer to that goal. We're deeply grateful to the leadership of Governor Stitt, Representative Cantrell, Senator Seifried, and all the legislators who voted to ensure Oklahoma's summer camps are better prepared to protect the children in their care starting next summer," Bonner said.
Camp plans must include response protocols for applicable severe-weather hazards, evacuation routes, emergency alerts and access to shelter. The law requires camps and programs to maintain two independent methods for receiving severe-weather alerts, including one method that does not rely on cellular service.
Facilities must also establish internal communication procedures, processes for notifying guardians and regular emergency drills. Camp employees will receive annual training on emergency procedures and hazard recognition.
Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, authored the bill and said the law reflects Oklahoma's unique exposure to severe weather while protecting the fun and freedom that make camp meaningful for young people.
"We want kids to have fun at camp, and we want parents to have peace of mind when they send their children off for this adventure," Cantrell said. "This is better accomplished when we know facilities have worked with their local emergency managers to complete pre-safety checks and to have adequate plans in place should an emergency arise."
Daniel Nixon, Marshall County's manager of emergency management, also attended the ceremonial signing.
Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, the Senate author of HB 1675, said the measure gives camp leaders, staff and families greater confidence in a facility's emergency readiness.
"This new law ensures camp leaders and staff have all the tools and training they need to keep kids safe when severe weather strikes," Seifried said. "Having an emergency action plan in place provides a clear roadmap in a crisis and reassures families that camps can handle the unexpected."
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is compiling resources for emergency managers, camp operators, and parents online. You can find those resources here.
Hazard assessments and action plans must be reviewed every one to three years depending on type of camp or campground.
HB 1675 takes effect Nov. 1.
By Jan. 1, 2027, covered facilities must identify site-specific hazards and put emergency plans in place to protect campers, staff and visitors.
"What happened at Camp Mystic in Texas was a tragedy no family should ever have to endure," said Governor Stitt. "We can't change the past, but we can learn from it. Oklahoma weather can turn on a dime, and this law is a commonsense way to make sure camps are ready, parents are informed and our kids are better protected."
Carrie Hanna, whose 8-year-old daughter Hadley died in the July 4, 2025, flooding at Camp Mystic, attended the signing with Hadley's sister, Harper, who survived the flooding. Hanna serves on the Safe Summers Foundation Advisory Council and founded Hugs for Hadley, a nonprofit supporting health, wellness, education and first responder initiatives in Hadley's memory.
Also attending were Elizabeth Phillips and Todd Latiolais of the No More Victims Alliance, along with Blake Bonner, co-founder of the Safe Summers Foundation. The foundation was established in memory of the 27 girls who died in the Camp Mystic flooding and works to promote prevention, preparation and protection at summer camps.
"Seeing House Bill 1675 signed into law moves us another step closer to that goal. We're deeply grateful to the leadership of Governor Stitt, Representative Cantrell, Senator Seifried, and all the legislators who voted to ensure Oklahoma's summer camps are better prepared to protect the children in their care starting next summer," Bonner said.
Camp plans must include response protocols for applicable severe-weather hazards, evacuation routes, emergency alerts and access to shelter. The law requires camps and programs to maintain two independent methods for receiving severe-weather alerts, including one method that does not rely on cellular service.
Facilities must also establish internal communication procedures, processes for notifying guardians and regular emergency drills. Camp employees will receive annual training on emergency procedures and hazard recognition.
Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, authored the bill and said the law reflects Oklahoma's unique exposure to severe weather while protecting the fun and freedom that make camp meaningful for young people.
"We want kids to have fun at camp, and we want parents to have peace of mind when they send their children off for this adventure," Cantrell said. "This is better accomplished when we know facilities have worked with their local emergency managers to complete pre-safety checks and to have adequate plans in place should an emergency arise."
Daniel Nixon, Marshall County's manager of emergency management, also attended the ceremonial signing.
Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, the Senate author of HB 1675, said the measure gives camp leaders, staff and families greater confidence in a facility's emergency readiness.
"This new law ensures camp leaders and staff have all the tools and training they need to keep kids safe when severe weather strikes," Seifried said. "Having an emergency action plan in place provides a clear roadmap in a crisis and reassures families that camps can handle the unexpected."
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is compiling resources for emergency managers, camp operators, and parents online. You can find those resources here.
Hazard assessments and action plans must be reviewed every one to three years depending on type of camp or campground.
HB 1675 takes effect Nov. 1.
The Office of the Governor of the State of Oklahoma published this content on August 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 12, 2026 at 21:01 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]