Alabama leaders have approved new safety standards for youth camps following a deadly flooding disaster in Texas that claimed 27 lives.

In honor of Sarah Marsh, an 8-year-old from Mountain Brook who was among those killed in summer floods at Camp Mystic, a riverside Christian girls camp in Hunt, Texas, the state has enacted legislation aimed at strengthening camp safety statewide.

HB381, otherwise known as the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, aims to comprehensively improve camp safety throughout Alabama by establishing plans that address a range of situations in which campers and staff may be endangered, such as severe storms, flash flooding or other natural or man-made disasters, according to its text.

“Keeping children safe must always come first, and parents should have confidence that their children are protected when they are away from home,” Ivey wrote in a news release.

In a news release following the signing, Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama and Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama said they were “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Sarah Marsh and the 26 other lives taken during the devastating flooding at Camp Mystic in Texas.” The councils added, “Our hearts remain with the Marsh family and all those impacted by this unimaginable tragedy.”

The newly signed “Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act” strengthens emergency preparedness, communication and accountability requirements for youth-serving organizations statewide.

“We are pleased to acknowledge the official signing of the ‘Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act’ into law. We extend our gratitude to Rep. David Faulkner, Gov. Kay Ivey, and the members of the Alabama House and Senate for their leadership and dedication in seeing this legislation through to completion,” the councils said.

Girl Scouts leaders said the law builds on longstanding safety practices already in place across their camps, including background checks, emergency action plans, severe weather protocols, first aid training and parent communication systems.

“At Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama and Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, the safety and well-being of every girl and volunteer is our highest priority — at our camp properties and in all aspects of Girl Scouting,” the councils said.

“From prevention and preparedness to response and communication, safety is embedded in our culture and in every program we deliver,” they added. “Parents trust us with their children, and we honor that trust through diligent planning, ongoing training and continuous evaluation of best practices.”

The councils said they plan to work with state leaders and youth organizations to strengthen camp safety while preserving the benefits of outdoor programs.

“We welcome the opportunity to be part of the broader effort to ensure that camps across Alabama are equipped with the resources, protocols, and oversight needed to make summer camp as safe as possible for every child,” they said.

“Summer camp is a cherished Girl Scout tradition — one that builds resilience, friendship and lifelong skills.”