Texas Lt. Governor Says Camp Mystic Shouldn’t Receive License to Reopen

NYT Homepage

by Ruth Graham

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has strongly opposed the reopening of Camp Mystic by urging the Texas Department of State Health Services to deny it a new camp license. This follows a tragic incident last July where 27 girls and the camp’s executive director perished in a flood. In his letter, Patrick emphasized that allowing the camp to resume operations before all facts are known would be irresponsible. He expressed discomfort with sending grandchildren to such a location, highlighting concerns about safety and accountability. The opposition is further fueled by a lawsuit filed Monday against Texas officials, alleging shared blame in the disaster. The suit names the Department of State Health Services, accusing it of issuing annual licenses to Camp Mystic despite the camp lacking an evacuation plan as required by state law. Parents of nine campers and counselors are among those suing, arguing that the agency failed in its oversight duties. Mikal Watts, Camp Mystic’s lawyer, dismissed the lawsuit as meritless, calling it a political tactic aimed at pressuring licensing officials. He argued that the camp has fully complied with state laws and invested significantly in new safety technology since the tragedy. However, Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Department of State Health Services, declined to comment on pending litigation. The legal battle underscores broader concerns about public safety and accountability. Camp Mystic had announced plans to partially reopen this summer and had even begun accepting registrations. While it has not submitted a license renewal application yet, camps in Texas have until March 31 to apply without paying late fees. The outcome of this case could set precedent for how such incidents are handled and whether similar camps face scrutiny or support in their operations. This matter resonates with readers interested in news due to its implications on public safety, legal accountability, and the emotional weight carried by families affected by the disaster. It also raises questions about how organizations recover from tragedies and whether they can regain public trust. The situation at Camp Mystic serves as a critical case study in balancing regulatory oversight with institutional resilience.

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026