Alabama Lawmakers Propose Camp Safety Bill After Deadly Flooding at Texas Camp

The "Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act" aims to strengthen regulations and emergency preparedness at camps across the state.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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After the tragic deaths of 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic in Texas due to devastating floods, the parents of 8-year-old victim Sarah Marsh are urging lawmakers in Alabama and other states to pass new legislation to improve camp safety standards. The proposed "Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act" in Alabama would require camps to meet emergency preparedness requirements, prohibit cabins in floodplains, and mandate weather alert systems that don't rely on cell or internet service.

Why it matters

The Camp Mystic tragedy exposed major gaps in regulations and oversight for children's camps across the country. The Marsh family believes that with proper safety measures and emergency planning, their daughter's death could have been prevented. This legislation aims to ensure camps prioritize the safety and security of campers in the face of natural disasters and other emergencies.

The details

The Alabama bill would require camps to obtain an emergency preparedness license, establish detailed evacuation and emergency plans, and prohibit cabins from being located in floodplains. Camps would also need to have weather radios and notification systems that don't rely on potentially unreliable cell or internet service. The goal is to make camps accountable for comprehensive safety measures tailored to regional risks, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

  • On July 4, 2025, 27 campers and counselors were swept to their deaths when floodwaters engulfed cabins at Camp Mystic in Texas.
  • 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. He believes his daughter's death was "100% preventable" and is urging lawmakers to pass stronger camp safety regulations.

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

An 8-year-old girl from Birmingham, Alabama who was one of the 27 victims killed in the Camp Mystic flooding incident. Her parents are advocating for the new legislation in her memory.

Rep. David Faulkner

The sponsor of the "Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act" in the Alabama legislature, who said the Camp Mystic tragedy exposed gaps in camp safety regulations across the country.

Gov. Kay Ivey

The governor of Alabama who is backing the new camp safety bill proposed in the state.

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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, Sarah Marsh's father (wbal.com)

“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, Sarah Marsh's father (wbal.com)

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

— Jill Marsh, Sarah Marsh's mother (wbal.com)

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

— Rep. David Faulkner, Bill sponsor (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Alabama bill, named the "Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act", will next be considered by the full Alabama House of Representatives after being advanced by the House State Government Committee.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has spurred action to improve camp safety standards and emergency preparedness across the country, ensuring that no family has to endure the same devastating loss as the Marsh family. The proposed legislation aims to make camps accountable for comprehensive safety measures tailored to regional risks, rather than relying on self-regulation, in order to protect children's lives.