HB381 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David FaulknerRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

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

Summary

The bill creates a camp safety program that requires residential camps to obtain an emergency preparedness license and meet minimum safety and emergency planning standards.

What This Bill Does

Starting January 1, 2027, camp operators must apply for and obtain an Emergency Preparedness License from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency to operate camps. The license is valid for five years and can be renewed or extended with approved supplemental applications for changes in the camp. Camps must meet requirements on staff background checks, annual training, weather monitoring, flood and weather safety, emergency and evacuation planning, and on-site safety equipment. The act also sets rules for cabin location, shelter space, emergency plans, inspections, and public posting of licensed camps, and creates an advisory council to help implement the rules.

Who It Affects

• Camp operators must obtain and renew the Emergency Preparedness License and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Camp staff and organizations supplying staff must undergo criminal background checks and complete annual emergency training.
• Campers (16 years old and younger) and their families will experience safety orientations, access to license information, and clear emergency procedures.
• Local emergency management agencies and the local organization will coordinate with camps; the agency will list licensed camps on its website.

Key Provisions

• Emergency Preparedness License required for operation; applications begin January 1, 2027; licenses valid for five years; changes to camp require supplemental applications or notice for renewal.
• Background checks and annual training required for staff; camp operators must submit staff lists and ensure proper staff qualifications.
• Floodplain and cabin rules: no new cabin construction in floodplains starting 2027; existing cabins may continue if they meet specified flood safety conditions (elevations, high-water markers, not in regulatory floodways, enhanced evacuation plan).
• Emergency plan requirements: plan must cover fires, lost campers, severe weather, medical incidents, water-related incidents, and other emergencies; must designate evacuation/shelter locations and include parent notification and coordination with local emergency management.
• Equipment and communication: camps must have NOAA Weather Radio, a redundant alert protocol not relying on text/CELL, and a non-internet notification system capable of indoor/outdoor alerts.
• Sheltering: camps must provide designated shelter spaces adequate for the maximum overnight capacity.
• Inspections and records: the agency may inspect camps to verify compliance; requires digital storage of approved emergency plans and posting of licensed camps on the agency website.
• Advisory Council: establishes the Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council to advise on implementation; members come from state agencies, associations, and camp-related organizations; council has advisory, non-regulatory authority and dissolves three years after taking effect.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Apr 1, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Safety & Emergencies