Overview
- Nine families filed a federal lawsuit naming six DSHS officials, including Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, alleging the agency licensed Camp Mystic despite lacking a written, posted evacuation plan required by Texas law.
- The complaint cites inspections just days before and after the July 4, 2025 flood that reported no deficiencies, and it claims officials violated the victims’ constitutional rights under a state-created danger theory.
- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick sent a letter urging DSHS not to issue a 2026 license for Camp Mystic until legislative investigations conclude and any corrective actions are in place, with House and Senate committees set to meet this spring.
- DSHS has declined public comment on the litigation; the camp’s current license remains in effect into March, when renewal decisions are expected to be considered.
- Camp Mystic says it plans to reopen at its Cypress Lake site and asserts compliance with new state safety laws that now require specified evacuation destinations and posted, illuminated routes, while families continue separate actions to block reopening.