Jefferson Reporter

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) introduced Lulu’s Law to the U.S. House of Representatives today. The law is named after Lulu Gribbin of Mountain Brook, Alabama, who is recovering from a shark attack that occurred in June 2024.

Only 90 minutes before the attack on Lulu Gribbin and McCray Faust, another woman was attacked by a shark a few miles away. Lulu’s Law aims to enable authorities to quickly deploy wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) to inform the public if someone has been attacked by a shark or if conditions for a shark attack are present.

“As a member of Congress, our top priority should be keeping Americans safe. Had an alert gone out, the dreadful shark attack on Lulu could have been prevented,” said Rep. Palmer. “Lulu’s tremendous strength, faith, and bravery throughout her healing journey has inspired many. No child should have to go through what she has endured, and no parent should have to watch their children suffer as she has. By passing Lulu’s Law, we are creating a commonsense solution to prevent future attacks from occurring and keep beachgoers out of harm’s way.”

The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), sends out local alerts to provide emergency information to the public. Other WEA alerts include extreme weather warnings and amber alerts.

Lulu’s Law is co-sponsored by Representatives Terri Sewell (AL-07), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Jerry Carl (AL-01), Barry Moore (AL-02), Mike Rogers (AL-03), Dale Strong (AL-05), and Neal Dunn (FL-02).

This bill complements legislation introduced by Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) in the U.S. Senate on July 30, 2024.