Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) — Kay Ivey signed House Bill 381, known as the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, on Wednesday, setting new safety requirements for summer camps across Alabama.
According to the governor’s office, the law is designed to improve emergency preparedness and response at camps, addressing risks such as severe weather, flooding and other emergencies that could put campers and staff in danger.
“Keeping children safe must always come first, and parents should have confidence that their children are protected when they are away from home,” said Governor Ivey. “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.”
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner, comes after deadly flooding in Texas that claimed the lives of children, including Sarah Marsh. Governor Ivey also announced a statewide flood notification system during her State of the State address, which aligns with the goals of the new law.
Families of the victims expressed support for the measure.
“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,” said Jill and Patrick Marsh. “While nothing can undo our loss, this law ensures that our daughters’ lives will leave a legacy that, as Rep. 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.”
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, camps must meet several requirements, including obtaining an emergency preparedness license from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, maintaining shelters and evacuation plans, and installing emergency alert systems that do not rely on internet access. Camps must also ensure staff members have no convictions involving sexual or violent crimes and avoid building cabins in flood-prone areas.
The law also requires camps to provide emergency plan summaries to parents upon request and undergo on-site inspections to verify safety compliance.
“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. 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,” Faulkner said. “The tragedy in Texas revealed that there are very few safety regulations on camps, including here in Alabama.”
Faulkner added, “As I have said, Alabama has great camps, and most camps are already doing everything required by this bill. 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.”
A Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council will also be created to help guide implementation of the law.
Sen. Dan Roberts, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said the measure ensures stronger protections for children attending camps.
“No child should ever have to trade their safety for a summer experience, and no parent should have to worry about a preventable tragedy,” 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 be required to apply for emergency preparedness licenses starting in 2027 as the state moves forward with the new safety standards.
