HB 381 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

Camp safety; to set safety and emergency preparedness requirements for camps, including a licensure requirement

HB 381 establishes safety and emergency preparedness requirements for camps and creates a new licensure system for camp operators. It directly affects all camp providers, requiring them to meet specific safety standards and obtain a license to operate. Key provisions include mandatory emergency response plans, staff training protocols, and facility safety inspections. The bill aims to standardize camp safety practices statewide, shifting oversight from voluntary compliance to a regulated licensing framework. This represents a concrete policy change by introducing mandatory licensing as a condition for camp operation.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Feb 3, 2026 Signed Apr 8, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed → Enrolled · 4 edits · Apr 8, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was finalized for signature as the 'Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act,' establishing new safety and licensure requirements for residential camps in Alabama starting in 2027. The Enrolled version includes minor technical corrections to definitions, such as clarifying who counts as a 'camp operator' and specifying that only increases in cabin capacity of more than three require a supplemental license application.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on residential camps providing overnight lodging, but the definition of 'camp operator' was expanded to include conference centers and hotels that lease space to others, while excluding owners who only lease land.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'CAMP' was updated to explicitly exclude the use of dormitory space or other residences at educational institutions.

The definition of 'CAMP OPERATOR' was revised to include conference centers, hotels, and resorts that lease space to others but do not oversee guests, while removing exclusions for organizations that lease camps for retreats.

REQUIREMENT

The requirement to submit a supplemental license application was tightened; it now only applies if the number of cabins increases or if camper capacity in a cabin increases by more than three.

A new provision requires the agency to send written and digital reminders to camp operators at least 90 days before their license renewal deadline.

Introduced → Engrossed · 6 edits · Mar 31, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was updated from its initial introduction to an engrossed version, incorporating significant substantive changes to definitions and operational requirements. The most notable addition is a new definition for 'Camp Operator' that clarifies who is subject to the licensing rules, specifically including entities that maintain camps with staff but lease them to others, while excluding certain retreats and landowners. Additionally, the definition of 'Camp' was expanded to explicitly include sites where participants must stay overnight, and the definition of 'Floodplain' was refined to better align with federal mapping standards. These changes ensure the safety regulations apply more clearly to a broader range of camp management structures and clarify the geographic scope of flood safety requirements.

Scope change

The scope of applicability was expanded by adding specific categories of 'Camp Operators' (such as those leasing camps to other organizations) to the licensing requirement, while explicitly excluding certain retreats and landowners who do not engage in camp operations. The definition of a 'Camp' was also broadened to ensure it covers any site requiring overnight stays.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'Camp Operator' that includes individuals or entities maintaining camps with staff who lease the facility to others for administration, while excluding organizations that merely lease camps for retreats or training for adults 19 and older.

Expanded the definition of 'Camp' to explicitly require that the site provides operations where campers must stay overnight, clarifying the distinction from day-use facilities.

Refined the definition of 'Floodplain' to specifically mention 'letters of map revision based on fill' as part of the designated floodplain area, improving consistency with federal flood mapping procedures.

Added a comprehensive definition for 'Staff Member' detailing specific roles such as security, maintenance, instruction, and supervision that require overnight retention.

Removed the previous, narrower definition of 'Camp Operator' which only included administrators with ownership interests and excluded religious or nonprofit organizations that leased camps.

Removed the previous, less detailed definition of 'Camp' which did not explicitly mandate overnight stays as a defining characteristic.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 31, 2026

Lower · Passed

Faulkner Concur In and Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1118

lower

Mar 31, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 987

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Upper · Passed

Roberts motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 986

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Upper · Passed

Petition To Close Debate- Adopted Roll Call 985

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Introduced

Roberts Substitute Offered

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Upper · Passed

Roberts motion to Table - Adopted Voice Vote

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Introduced

Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development 1st Substitute Offered (Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development)

upper

Mar 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

upper

Feb 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development)

upper

Feb 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Add Cosponsor - Adopted Roll Call 441

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 440

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 439

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Introduced

Faulkner 1st Amendment Offered

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 438

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Introduced

State Government Engrossed Substitute Offered (State Government)

lower

Feb 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin (State Government)

lower

Feb 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (State Government)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors