Week 6 Session Recap: Camp Safety Act Passes 104-0, Heads to Senate

I'll admit it - this recap is a little late. It was a busy week in Montgomery, and sometimes the work of legislating gets in the way of writing about it. But I'd rather be a little late on a blog post than late on getting good bills across the finish line. But with that… here's your Week 6 update.

Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act Passes the House - Unanimously

The headline of the week - and maybe of the entire session so far - is that the Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act passed the House last Tuesday without a single no vote. 104-0.

That kind of unanimous support doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of months of work, careful collaboration with the Alabama Camp Association, and the tireless advocacy of the Marsh family. Patrick Marsh made the trip to Montgomery and was in the chamber for the vote, and I was grateful to recognize him on the floor. Jill had a previous commitment and unfortunately couldn't be there for the vote, but this is their bill as much as it is mine - and their presence in this fight has been felt every step of the way.

The Camp Safety Act is now in the Senate, and my plan is to have it up in Senate committee next week. We're working through a few remaining technical details this week, and then the goal is a committee hearing followed by a Senate floor vote shortly after. I want this bill signed into law before the legislature goes on spring break the week of March 23. That's the game plan, and we're on track.

Computer Science Graduation Requirement - Advancing in the Senate

Another bill I'm proud of is continuing to move. My computer science graduation requirement bill, which already passed the House, is up in Senate committee this week. This bill would make Alabama a national leader in preparing students for the economy of the future, and I'm confident it will have strong support in the Senate. I'll have more to report on this soon.

Trey's Law - Awaiting the Governor's Signature

Trey's Law continues its journey toward becoming Alabama law. As I've reported in previous weeks, this bill banning NDAs that silence abuse survivors has passed both chambers and is now with the Governor for her signature. We expect a formal bill signing ceremony in the coming weeks, and I'll share details as they're finalized. This has been a long road for Elizabeth Phillips and her family, and that moment will be a meaningful one.

Arson Reform - Protecting Lives in Retail Theft Cases

One of my newer bills made it to the House floor this week - an update to Alabama's arson in the first degree statute. Here's the problem we're addressing: there's been a troubling trend of individuals setting fires or causing explosions inside retail stores as part of theft schemes. These aren't just property crimes - they put employees, shoppers, and first responders in serious danger.

My bill updates the arson statute to specifically address situations where someone commits arson in connection with a theft, and where the fire or explosion causes damage to the store. When you endanger lives to steal, you should face consequences that reflect the seriousness of what you've done.

A Full Calendar - Three Bills on the Floor

This was one of those weeks where the workload really stacked up. I had three separate bills on the House floor calendar on the same day - the arson reform bill, a guardianship and conservatorship legal update from the Alabama Law Institute, and a bill updating legal positions within the Alabama National Guard. Getting three bills heard in one day is a tall order with a full legislative calendar, but it reflects the pace we've been keeping this session.

Self-Defense Accountability Bill - Senate Update

A quick note on HB 192, my self-defense accountability bill that passed the House 104-0 a few weeks ago. It was scheduled for Senate committee last week but the committee didn't get to it. We'll continue to push for a hearing, and I'm confident in its support once it gets its day.

Session at the Midpoint

We're now roughly halfway through the 2026 session by the numbers, and I'd describe the mood in Montgomery as productive and efficient. We've had some off-the-field leadership changes - our Majority Leader, Scott Stadthagen, has stepped down from that role to run for chair of the Alabama Republican Party, and Representative Paul Lee has been elected to take over as Majority Leader. But on the legislative side, we've maintained a strong pace, and the intention is to wrap up the session efficiently, especially with election season approaching.

Looking Ahead

Next week, the focus turns to the Senate. I want the Camp Safety Act in Senate committee, the computer science bill moving toward a Senate floor vote, and continued progress on HB 192. On the House side, we still have bills on the calendar, and I'll be working to keep the momentum going.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of District 46. If you have questions or concerns about anything happening in Montgomery, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Until next week - on time, I hope.

David Faulkner
Alabama House District 46

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