Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed sweeping new measures on Friday aimed at tightening youth camp safety and strengthening the state's flood preparedness. The legislation was crafted in direct response to the July 4 floods that left more than 130 people dead.

The bills, which passed during the state Legislature’s second special session, mark the most sweeping camp safety regulations in decades.

During Friday’s ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, Abbott was flanked by children and families still grieving loved ones lost in the floods. The governor said the new laws were meant to spare others from the heartbreak they had endured.

“Through these laws, we’re doing more than just changing campgrounds in Texas,” Abbott said. “We’re changing the future for our children and their famil

See Full Page