DSHS reaches agreement on fiber optic requirement for youth camps

The Texas Department of State Health Services has reached an agreement with a group of youth camp operators regarding legal requirements that all camps licensed by DSHS maintain fiber optic internet service.

Under the agreement, camps that maintain a redundant, broadband internet service will not face potential license denial or revocation for not having fiber service during the 2026 camping season, as long as they meet all other safety requirements.

To ensure all camps operate on an equal footing, DSHS will apply the terms of this agreement to every youth camp seeking license renewal for the 2026 season.

"This agreement will ensure that youth camps in Texas operate with the safety provisions envisioned by the Legislature while allowing camps and families to move forward with their summer plans," said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH.

The agreement is between DSHS and a group of camps that were seeking an injunction to prevent DSHS from enforcing the statutory requirement that camps have "Internet services through a broadband service that connects to the Internet using end-to-end fiber optic facilities." The agreement stays the proceedings in that lawsuit until March 1, 2027.

Under the agreement, alternative broadband services including cellular, microwave or satellite technology, are acceptable as long as they meet the definition of broadband under the Texas Government Code.

A copy of the agreement is available to view. Camp operators with questions should contact the DSHS Youth Camp Program.

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