(WDNews) — Gov. Kay Ivey is continuing her push to improve safety at Alabama’s summer camps as new legislation is introduced at the State House.
On Wednesday, Rep. David Faulkner officially filed House Bill 381, a measure designed to establish statewide safety standards for youth camps. The bill focuses on emergency preparedness for situations such as severe weather, flash flooding, and 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 believe we have a responsibility to act. I encourage passage of this legislation that ensures our camps are prepared, informed and equipped to respond to emergencies.”
Ivey previously announced plans for a statewide flood notification system during her State of the State address, a move also prompted by the deadly flooding in Texas. That effort aligns with House Bill 381, which would be named the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act if approved.
“The Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act is instrumental to keep children safe at overnight camps in Alabama,” Faulkner said. “This Act is named for 8-year-old Sarah Marsh and all the other young girls who tragically lost their lives in a flood in Texas this year while at an overnight camp.”
Under the proposal, camp operators would be required to meet minimum safety standards. Those include obtaining a safety license from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, creating emergency and evacuation plans, and prohibiting certain convicted criminals from serving as camp staff.
The bill also calls for the creation of an independent Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council. The council would advise the state on implementation, track safety developments nationwide, recommend future legislation, and address concerns from parents and camp operators.
“We are grateful to Governor Ivey for standing with us in a shared commitment to camp safety through her support of the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Act,” said Jill and Patrick Marsh. “This legislation is a meaningful step toward ensuring that no other parents and families have to endure a similar tragedy.”
If the bill becomes law, camp operators would be required to apply annually for safety approval. The new requirements would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
