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Representative Faulkner presents camp-safety bill named for child; committee adopts substitute
Summary
Representative Faulkner presented a substitute to HB 381, the record listing it as the 'Sarah Marsh Heavens 27 Camp Safety Act,' saying it responds to a child’s death and adds floodplain language and safety requirements; the committee adopted the substitute on a roll call with no recorded opposition in the transcript.
Representative Faulkner presented a substitute to HB 381 — recorded in the hearing as the "Sarah Marsh Heavens 27 Camp Safety Act" — saying the measure was drafted after the death of an 8-year-old child last July 4 and aims to close gaps in camp safety regulations.
"This bill ... is named after young Sarah Marsh," Faulkner said, describing concerns she heard from parents about transparency, trained staff, emergency communication and evacuation plans. She told the committee she had negotiated changes with camp operators and stakeholders and that section 5 of the substitute clarifies floodplain language.
Faulkner thanked people who helped shape the substitute, including camp-industry representatives and the parents of Sarah Marsh, and said the changes before the committee today reflected extensive work since the House version. A committee member asked specifically whether background checks for staff during unsupervised time with children remained in the substitute; Faulkner said background-check requirements were retained.
A motion to adopt the substitute was made and seconded, and the chair called the roll. Senators on the record responded “Aye” repeatedly; the transcript records the substitute as adopted with no recorded nay votes. Committee proceedings then moved to other bills.
Why it matters: The substitute seeks to standardize safety language for youth camps and adds specific floodplain-related provisions, according to Faulkner. The record shows at least one committee member pressed for confirmation that background checks remained in the bill.
Next steps: The committee approved the substitute on the floor of the committee; the bill will proceed as amended according to the committee’s routine process.
