Governor Ivey Signs Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act Into Law

April 8, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed House Bill 381, known as the Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act, establishing new statewide safety standards for Alabama's summer camps and honoring the memory of 8‑year‑old Sarah Marsh, who died during catastrophic flooding at a Texas camp last year.

Sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner, the legislation creates Alabama's first comprehensive emergency‑preparedness framework for youth camps. The law requires camps to develop and maintain plans for a wide range of emergencies, including 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," Governor Ivey said during the bill signing. She noted that the legislation was inspired by the loss of Sarah Marsh and the 27 young girls who died in the Texas flooding. "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 governor also highlighted her previously announced initiative to launch a statewide flood‑notification system, a move she said aligns closely with the goals of HB381.

Sarah's parents, Jill and Patrick Marsh, expressed gratitude to state leaders for advancing the bill. "While nothing can undo our loss, this law ensures that our daughters' lives will leave a legacy," they said. "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."

Key Requirements for Camps

Beginning January 1, 2027, Alabama camps must:

- Obtain an emergency preparedness license from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA)

- Ensure no staff member has been convicted of a sexual or violent crime

- Avoid constructing or expanding cabins in floodplains

- Operate with a NOAA Weather Radio, an emergency staff‑alert protocol, and a non‑internet‑dependent notification system audible indoors and outdoors

- Maintain designated shelters

- Keep approved emergency and evacuation plans, coordinated with local emergency management officials

- Provide parents with a summary of the camp's emergency plan upon request

- Undergo on‑site inspections verifying documentation, training records, and safety plans

Rep. Faulkner said the law fills a critical gap in camp oversight. "The tragedy in Texas revealed that there are very few safety regulations on camps, including here in Alabama," he said. He added that most Alabama camps already follow many of the new standards, but the law ensures consistency statewide.

Sen. Dan Roberts, who carried the bill in the Senate, said the act "transforms a heartbreaking loss into a lasting legacy of protection through stronger safety measures for Alabama's children."

The legislation also establishes a Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council to assist AEMA with implementation and ongoing oversight.

Camp operators will begin applying for the new preparedness license in 2027. State officials said the law reflects an ongoing commitment to strengthening protections for Alabama's youngest residents and giving parents greater confidence in their children's safety away from home.