Alabama Bill Aims to Strengthen Camp Safety Regulations After Deadly Flood

Parents of Camp Mystic victim push for new laws to prevent future tragedies

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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After the tragic death of their 8-year-old daughter Sarah at Camp Mystic in Texas, where 27 campers and counselors were swept away by floodwaters, Patrick and Jill Marsh are urging lawmakers in Alabama and other states to tighten regulations for summer camps. The proposed "Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act" would require camps to meet safety standards, obtain emergency preparedness licenses, and establish detailed evacuation plans.

Why it matters

The Camp Mystic tragedy exposed major gaps in oversight and safety regulations for summer camps across the country. The Marshes believe stronger laws could have prevented their daughter's death and are determined to make camps safer for all children.

The details

The Alabama bill would prohibit cabins from being located in floodplains, mandate weather radios and notification systems that don't rely on cell/internet, and require comprehensive emergency plans. Similar bills have been filed in Texas and Missouri. The Marshes were shocked by the lack of regulation compared to schools, and want to ensure camps address regional risks like floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

  • On July 4, 2025, floodwaters engulfed cabins at Camp Mystic in Texas, killing 27 campers and counselors.
  • The Alabama bill, named the "Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act", was introduced in the state legislature in February 2026.

The players

Patrick Marsh

The father of 8-year-old Sarah Marsh, who died in the Camp Mystic tragedy, and a leading advocate for the new camp safety legislation in Alabama.

Jill Marsh

The mother of Sarah Marsh and a doctor who testified before the Alabama House State Government Committee in support of the new camp safety bill.

Sarah Marsh

The 8-year-old girl from Birmingham, Alabama who was killed in the 2025 Camp Mystic flood disaster.

Rep. David Faulkner

The Alabama state legislator who is sponsoring the "Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act".

Gov. Kay Ivey

The governor of Alabama who is backing the new camp safety legislation.

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What they’re saying

“From where Sarah slept to high ground where she would have been safe — 50 yards. All they had to do was walk up a hill.”

— Patrick Marsh

“The flood itself was an act of God, and there's nothing you can do to stop the flood. But how you prepare for the possibility of flooding, how you handle it in the moment, those things were handled so poorly.”

— Patrick Marsh

“It was a big surprise, both in Texas and here, to see how little is required and is just self-regulated.”

— Jill Marsh, Sarah's mother

“These gaps exist not only in Texas, but in Alabama and across the country.”

— Rep. David Faulkner, Bill sponsor

“We are not anti-camp. We want kids to go to camp and have these experiences. We just want them to be safe.”

— Patrick Marsh

What’s next

The Alabama bill, named the "Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act", has been advanced by the House State Government Committee to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has galvanized parents across the country to push for stronger camp safety regulations to prevent future disasters and ensure children's wellbeing. The proposed legislation aims to address critical gaps in oversight and preparedness, so that no family has to endure the heartbreak experienced by the Marsh family.