Nineteen Texas summer camps have filed a lawsuit against the state, challenging a new regulation mandating the installation of fiber optic internet. The camps claim the requirement is unconstitutional, excessively expensive, and threatens their ability to operate.

Lawsuit Details and Claims

The lawsuit, filed in Travis County, asserts that the mandate for “end-to-end fiber optic facilities” isn’t directly linked to camp safety and violates state laws. The camps, which serve over 40,000 children annually, argue the costs are prohibitive, with some receiving quotes exceeding $1 million for setup and monthly fees.

Origin of the Mandate

The regulation stems from a tragic flood on July 4th last year in the Texas Hill Country, where 25 campers and two counselors at Camp Mystic lost their lives. The incident revealed critical communication failures, including unresponsive emergency phone lines and unreliable cell service.

Challenges for Rural Camps

Lawmakers responded by approving the fiber optic mandate, alongside a secondary broadband requirement, to improve emergency communication. However, the lawsuit contends the rule doesn’t consider the difficulties faced by rural camps where fiber optic infrastructure is unavailable or too costly.

Legal Action and Relief Sought

The lawsuit names the Department of State Health Services, the Health and Human Services Commission, and Attorney General Ken Paxton as defendants. The camps are seeking to invalidate the mandate, citing the vague definition of “end-to-end” as a source of potential disputes.

While acknowledging the need to improve emergency communication, the camps argue the current solution is impractical and could force many to close. They aim to secure relief from the financial and logistical burdens of the new regulation to continue providing summer programs for children. Representatives for the camps and state agencies declined to comment on the pending litigation.