Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has expressed her strong support for U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) following his introduction of Lulu’s Law in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation, originally authored and introduced by Senator Britt in the Senate, is named in honor of 15-year-old Lulu Gribbin from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who survived a near-fatal shark attack in June 2024.
Lulu’s Law, co-sponsored by the entire Alabama House delegation, aims to classify shark attacks as events that warrant wireless emergency alerts (WEAs). The legislation would enable local, state, tribal, and federal government authorities to swiftly issue warnings via mobile phone alerts if a shark attack occurs or if conditions suggest an increased risk of such an event. The goal is to provide beachgoers with timely information to help them avoid potential dangers.
Lulu Gribbin’s story has deeply resonated with many, as she continues to recover from the severe injuries she sustained during the shark attack that also injured McCray Faust. The attack took place just 90 minutes after another woman was attacked by a shark a few miles away.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) currently manages the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which disseminates local alerts to provide the public with vital emergency information. WEAs issued through IPAWS currently cover a range of emergencies, including extreme weather, AMBER Alerts, and wildfires.
Senator Britt highlighted the significance of Lulu’s Law, noting its potential to enhance public safety. “I appreciate Representative Palmer introducing the House companion to Lulu’s Law. Having two teenagers myself, this hits close to home. I cannot imagine what this journey has been like for Lulu or for her parents,” said Britt. She praised Lulu’s resilience, calling her “a true fighter, personifying both grace and grit,” and emphasized the importance of the legislation in helping to protect families at the beach.
Rep. Palmer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the priority of public safety in his role as a member of Congress. “Had an alert gone out, the dreadful shark attack on Lulu could have been prevented,” Palmer stated. He commended Lulu’s bravery and faith throughout her recovery and underscored the importance of passing Lulu’s Law to prevent future tragedies.
The introduction of Lulu’s Law in both the Senate and House reflects a bipartisan commitment to improving public safety by leveraging technology to provide timely and accurate alerts in potentially life-threatening situations.
