AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of Texas youth camp operators has filed suit against state officials, challenging a new law requiring camps to install “end-to-end fiber optic” internet as a condition of licensing, calling the mandate unconstitutional and financially unworkable.
The lawsuit, filed in Travis County district court, names the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Health and Human Services Commission and Attorney General Ken Paxton, among others.
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The camps argue the requirement—enacted as part of post-flood safety legislation following a deadly 2025 Hill Country disaster—would effectively shut down many operations because fiber infrastructure is unavailable or prohibitively expensive in rural areas.
Plaintiffs said they serve more than 40,000 campers annually and could be forced to close if unable to comply. They contend the law is vague, citing the lack of a clear definition for “end-to-end” fiber, and argue it violates the Texas Constitution by infringing on property rights and economic liberty.
The suit also alleges regulators failed to conduct a required “takings impact assessment” before adopting related rules, which plaintiffs claim renders the regulation invalid under state law.
While the camps do not oppose other safety measures in the legislation, they argue the fiber mandate does not improve safety and imposes excessive costs, with some estimates exceeding $1 million for installation.
The plaintiffs are seeking a court order blocking enforcement of the requirement ahead of the 2026 summer camp season.
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