Texas
Texas camps push back against pending laws banning cabins in floodplains
FORT WORTH, Texas – Texas lawmakers are facing pushback from some youth camps as they craft new laws in the wake of July’s deadly flooding.
Three camps sent lawmakers a letter, saying they can’t afford to make the changes the legislature is considering.
Texas camp flood bill pushback
Rep. John McQueeney (R-Fort Worth) spoke with FOX 4 over the phone about the pushback Monday afternoon.
House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1 would ban camps from getting a license to operate if they have housing in a floodplain. Both bills have been passed in their respective chambers.
McQueeney says he’s personally seen the camps’ letter, and he is remaining firm on the issue: these cabins must be moved or rebuilt away from the river bank.
The lawmaker says he’s confident this vital legislation will become law.
Three Texas camps speak out
Three Kerr County camps are asking Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for financial help with the new and stricter flood safety requirements contained in two bills, according to the Texas Tribune.
The camps, Camp Waldemar, Vista Camps, and Camp Stewart, say the devastating July 4th flooding plus the financial burden proposed under state regulations pose an impossible challenge.
The letter signed by the three camps, obtained by the Texas Tribune, reads in part:
“Collectively, our camps would face millions of dollars in mandated rebuilding costs for cabins subjected to the prohibition that did not sustain damage by recent flooding. These additional burdens would come on top of already significant flood repairs, operational expenses, and existing loans.”
‘For future generations of Texans’
What’s next:
McQueeney tells FOX 4 he’s adamant children cannot go to bed in a flood plain.
His statement in response to the letter from the three camps reads:
“I am confident it will get figured out for those camps. Whether through investment by the camps, their families, the community at large, or the state of Texas. All options should be on the table. We must do this for these families and for future generations of Texans.”
Both HB 1 and SB 1 need to clear another chamber before they are sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.
Texas Hill Country flooding
The backstory:
In the early morning hours of July 4th, the Guadalupe River raged out of its banks.
More than 130 people were killed. This includes 25 campers and two counselors at Camp Mystic who were asleep.
Last month, Texas lawmakers heard testimony from victims’ families, including the parents of children at Camp Mystic.
Families back the camp safety bills, pointing out the failures of the camps and local government.
The Source: Information in this article came from public statements made by Texas lawmakers and summer camp representatives.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 27: Democratic Senate Candidate James Talarico speaks at a rally at Rich’s Houston on May 27, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Talarico held the rally after the primary runoff and to explain his plan on how he will take on Republican nominee Ken Paxton. (Photo by Danielle Villasana/Getty Images)
Texas has reported 48 cases of Cyclospora, a foodborne illness caused by a parasite that health experts say can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Dr. David Winter, an internal medicine physician with Baylor Scott & White, said cyclospora infections typically increase during the summer. However, he said the current increase affecting several states could become the worst in years.
At least 20 people nationwide have been hospitalized with symptoms that can last for weeks.
“It’s really bad disease right now and sometimes you get in your intestines and that gives you these horrible cramps and gurgling and then diarrhea. In fact, the diarrhea is so bad, they call it explosive diarrhea,” Winter said.
Cyclospora is caused by a parasite rather than a virus or bacteria. Winter said the parasite multiplies inside the intestines, contributing to recurring symptoms.
“It’s a parasite. It’s not a virus, it is not bacteria. So the parasite, once it gets in your intestine, it starts to multiply. And then when it builds up a certain amount, then it comes out with this explosion, and then it starts multiply again,” Winter said.
The illness spreads through food or water contaminated with infected feces and is rarely transmitted from person to person.
The source of the current outbreak is unknown. Previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh fruits and vegetables, including basil, cilantro, raspberries and snow peas.
Doctors recommend thoroughly washing fresh produce before eating it to help reduce the risk of infection.
For many people, symptoms can be managed at home, and antibiotics are also effective, according to Winter.
He said patients with severe diarrhea should let their doctor know about their symptoms because many routine stool tests do not automatically screen for cyclospora.
“Most stool tests in laboratories don’t look for this. So you want to be sure and tell your doctor, I’ve got this, quote, explosive diarrhea. I’m cramping, I feel like hell, I have all this fatigue,” Winter said.
While the infection is uncommon, Winter said it can be especially difficult for those who become sick.
“It’s rare, but boy when you get it, it is tough,” Winter said.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.
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