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Alabama Lawmakers Push for Stricter Camp Safety Following Tragic Texas Floods
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The devastating loss of 8-year-old Sarah Marsh and 26 other campers and counselors at Texas’ Camp Mystic in July 2025 has spurred a powerful movement for enhanced camp safety regulations, with Alabama lawmakers now considering a bill championed by Sarah’s grieving parents. The proposed “Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act” aims to prevent similar tragedies by implementing comprehensive safety standards for youth camps across the state.
Patrick Marsh, Sarah’s father, recently revisited the cabin where his daughter slept, a stark reminder of the short distance to safety that was tragically unreached. “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,” he recounted, solidifying his belief that the incident was “100% preventable.”
The Texas tragedy, which saw floodwaters engulf cabins, led to new safety requirements for camps in that state, including mandatory emergency plans and warning systems. Now, the Marshes are urging Alabama and other states to follow suit, noting similar bills have also been introduced in Missouri.
“As we learned more and more about what happened at Mystic, the more we realized there were a lot of things that went wrong,” Patrick Marsh explained. He emphasized that while the flood itself was an “act of God,” the preparedness and handling of the situation were “so poorly” managed. He firmly believes that with proper protocols, “Sarah would be sitting in school right now.”
The Alabama bill, named in Sarah’s honor, would require camps to obtain an emergency preparedness license from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, establish detailed emergency and evacuation plans, and crucially, prohibit cabins from being located in flood plains. Additionally, camps would need to have weather radios and notification systems independent of cellular or internet service, which can fail during natural disasters.
Sarah’s parents, Patrick and Dr. Jill Marsh, expressed their shock at the minimal oversight of camps compared to other institutions responsible for children’s safety.
“It was a big surprise, both in Texas and here, to see how little is required and is just self-regulated,” Dr. Marsh stated.
They advocate for camp safety laws that reflect regional risks, rather than a generic, one-size-fits-all approach.
Described by her parents as exuberant, with an infectious blend of sass and sweetness, Sarah Marsh touched many lives. “She was just excited about everything,” Jill Marsh shared.
“She was always wrangling kids to play, to do gymnastics, to try something new. She was good at seeing people that were maybe left out or sad and would try to encourage them.”
At a recent House State Government Committee meeting, Jill Marsh spoke movingly, asserting that while Sarah’s life was tragically cut short, her legacy can ensure other children’s safety at camp. The committee advanced the bill, which has the backing of Governor Kay Ivey, to the full House of Representatives.
Rep. David Faulkner, the bill’s sponsor, highlighted that the Camp Mystic disaster exposed critical safety gaps not only in Texas but also in Alabama and across the nation.
The Marshes clarified that the legislation’s intent is not to burden responsible camps or force closures. “We are not anti-camp,” Patrick Marsh affirmed.
“We want kids to go to camp and have these experiences. We just want them to be safe.”
They estimate that many camps already meet the proposed standards, and the bill aims to bring the remaining “last 10%” on board. While nothing can undo their profound loss, the Marshes hold onto the hope that stronger oversight can spare other families from enduring such an unimaginable tragedy.