Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed House Bill 381, the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, reinforcing her commitment to ensuring the safety and preparedness of Alabama’s summer camps.
Sponsored by Representative David Faulkner, HB381 aims to improve camp safety throughout Alabama by requiring plans to address a range of situations in which campers and staff could be endangered, including severe storms, flash flooding or other natural or man-made disasters.
“Keeping children safe must always come first, and parents should have confidence that their children are protected when they are away from home,” Ivey said. “After the heartbreaking loss of Sarah Marsh, a young Alabamian away at a summer camp in Texas, I believed we had a responsibility to act. I am proud to make the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act law so we can ensure our camps are prepared, informed and equipped to respond to emergencies.”
During her State of the State address, Ivey announced she is launching a statewide flood notification system. She said the effort stems from the flooding in Texas and aligns with Faulkner’s bill to establish safety standards at Alabama summer camps.
“We are immensely grateful to Governor Ivey, the Alabama Legislature and all those who worked tirelessly to see the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act become law,” Jill and Patrick Marsh said. “While nothing can undo our loss, this law ensures that our daughters’ lives will leave a legacy that, as Representative Faulkner said, ‘will outlive us all.’ Our hope is that this moment marks the beginning of a new standard where vigilance, preparation and accountability are never optional when it comes to the care of our children.”
Effective Jan. 1, 2027, camps must comply with several requirements, including:
- Apply for and obtain an emergency preparedness license from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.
- Not retain as a staff member anyone convicted of a crime involving an unlawful sexual or violent act.
- Not construct or expand a cabin located in a floodplain.
- Operate with:
- A NOAA Weather Radio
- A protocol to alert essential staff members of an emergency
- A notification system that does not rely on an internet connection and can provide an alarm and emergency notification both indoors and outdoors
- Maintain designated shelters.
- Maintain approved emergency and evacuation plans, including coordination with local emergency management directors.
- Provide a summary of the camp’s emergency plan to a parent or legal guardian upon request.
- Submit to on-site inspections to verify required documentation, staff training records and the on-site availability of safety plans approved by the agency.
“The enactment of the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act marks a vital step forward in protecting children while attending a camp in Alabama,” Faulkner said. “This law turns tragedy into a lasting legacy of safety, honoring the memory of 8-year-old Sarah Marsh and the 27 young girls lost to the devastating Texas floods earlier last year. The tragedy in Texas revealed that there are very few safety regulations on camps, including here in Alabama.”
“As I have said, Alabama has great camps, and most camps are already doing everything required by this bill,” Faulkner continued. “But the common sense safety requirements in this law will make overnight campers safer when an emergency situation occurs. I am grateful to the Marshes for letting me carry this bill to honor their daughter’s legacy, and to Governor Ivey for her steadfast support of this bill from the very beginning.”
The law also creates a Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council to advise AEMA on implementation.
“No child should ever have to trade their safety for a summer experience, and no parent should have to worry about a preventable tragedy,” Senate sponsor Dan Roberts said. “The Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act transforms a heartbreaking loss into a lasting legacy of protection through stronger safety measures for Alabama’s children.”
Camp operators will need to apply for and obtain an emergency preparedness license beginning January 1, 2027. Ivey said she will continue working to protect Alabama’s youngest citizens and ensure parents feel confident in their children’s safety away from home.
