Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed House Bill 381, known as the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, establishing new safety and preparedness requirements for summer camps across Alabama.

The legislation, sponsored by State Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook), aims to strengthen protections for campers and staff by requiring camps to develop comprehensive emergency plans addressing severe weather, flooding and other potential 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.”

The law is named in memory of 8-year-old Sarah Marsh and honors the 27 young girls who died in a devastating flooding event in Texas, a tragedy lawmakers say exposed gaps in camp safety regulations.

Under the new law, camps must meet a series of requirements beginning Jan. 1, 2027, including obtaining an emergency preparedness license through the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, implementing emergency notification systems that function without internet access, and maintaining designated shelters and evacuation plans coordinated with local officials.

Additional provisions prohibit camps from employing individuals convicted of certain violent or sexual crimes and restrict construction of cabins in floodplains. Camps will also be subject to on-site inspections to verify compliance, including staff training and safety documentation.

“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.”

State Rep. Faulkner said the legislation is intended to turn tragedy into meaningful reform.

“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.”

He added that many camps already meet or exceed the new standards but said the law ensures consistency statewide.

“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 Gov. Ivey for her steadfast support of this bill from the very beginning,” Faulkner said.

The legislation also establishes a Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council to guide implementation and provide recommendations to state officials.

State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), the bill’s Senate sponsor, said the measure ensures stronger protections moving forward.

“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.”

The law aligns with broader safety efforts announced by Governor Ivey, including the development of a statewide flood notification system. Officials say the combined measures are designed to improve emergency awareness and response, particularly in settings where children are away from home.

Camp operators will be required to apply for emergency preparedness licenses starting in 2027 as the state works to implement the new standards.

Courtesy of 256 Today.