Sen. Brenner introduces bill to expand consideration for proposed summer camp rules

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, introduced a bill that would expand consideration for proposed rule changes regarding summer camps in Maine, with the goal of creating a more open dialogue between camps and state regulators. LD 2230, “An Act to Change Department of Health and Human Services Rules Regarding Youth Camps to Major Substantive Rules,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Health and Human Services Committee.

“Recently I’ve heard from youth camp leaders from around the state regarding proposed changes to how youth camps in Maine operate. These proposed changes seem to be a breakdown in what has otherwise been an open and positive relationship between camps and the Department of Health and Human Services,” said Sen. Brenner. “While I fully support the main goal of these rule changes, which is to protect the health and safety of campers, it’s clear a more open, free exchange of information is needed. My hope is that this legislation will lead to a thoughtful and collaborative process.”

Recently, a series of changes were proposed for rules governing youth camps in Maine, including rules that would impact how camps can hire employees. In particular, it would require summer camps to fingerprint employees. This would create a significant hurdle for achieving adequate staffing levels, considering many summer camps rely on international workers and volunteers. Camps are already required to conduct background checks on workers. 

LD 2230, which has bipartisan sponsorship, would change these updates from being designated “routine technical” to “major substantive.” This would move the final consideration of these rules changes to the Legislature, and provide better opportunity for summer camp owners, workers and other stakeholders to share how these changes would impact them.

Sen. Brenner is the co-owner of Broadturn Farm, which has in the past hosted a nine-week youth summer camp.

LD 2230 faces further action in committee.