Sen. Sampson Votes to Protect Municipal Summer Camps, Opposes Unfunded State Mandates

Watch Senate floor remarks here.

Senior Deputy Republican Leader Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott) today voted to preserve local summer camp programs by opposing state mandates in an omnibus bill (SB 6) that would have imposed heavy regulations on municipally-run camps. The amendment Sen. Sampson and Senate Republicans offered would have removed sections 5 and 6, which included costly licensure requirements and staffing restrictions.

“This bill shifts responsibility for summer camps from our towns, which have managed them well, to a state agency that lacks experience and operates from a distance. Summer camps aren’t one-size-fits-all, and moving them under the Office of Early Childhood would undermine successful local programs while burdening already cash-strapped municipalities. Why put well-run municipal camps at risk?

“These new mandates will either force towns to raise taxes or, more concerning, cause camps to close altogether. Many families rely on these camps for childcare and the summer camp experience. In the middle of an affordability crisis, we shouldn’t jeopardize these vital services.

“I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues to offer compromises that would preserve municipal summer camps while addressing concerns. Unfortunately, the majority chose not to meet us halfway, and I couldn’t support a bill that would harm our towns,” said Sen. Sampson.

Background:

• Sections 5 and 6 of the bill would require camps to be licensed by the Office of Early Childhood and meet new site/facility standards.
• The mandates, introduced in response to a 2024 sexual assault case at a Town of Bethany-run camp, will drive up costs and threaten town-operated camp sustainability.
• Senate Republicans proposed amendments to strike the licensure requirements while keeping tougher penalties for those who use their position as camp staff members to commit sexual assault. Majority Senate Democrats rejected these amendments.
• Public opposition was strong, with overwhelming written testimony, including from the Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association, opposing the new regulations.