The Alabama House of Representatives unanimously passed HB437 on Thursday, also known as “Lulu’s Law,” a measure aimed at enhancing beach safety by establishing a shark alert system for Baldwin and Mobile counties.
The legislation, sponsored by State Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook), is named in honor of Lulu Gribbin, a 15-year-old from Mountain Brook who survived a shark attack off the coast of Florida last summer. The proposed alert system would provide real-time updates to mobile devices and notify first responders when a confirmed shark attack occurs near the shoreline.
“Lulu is without a doubt one of our most extraordinary Alabamians and continues to set a strong example of what it means to not only overcome adversity but use it to inspire thousands,” said House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville). “I’m proud that the House passed this bill named in her honor and have no doubt that it will save lives.”
The bill passed the House on Thursday by a vote of 102-0.
RELATED: Alabama leaders praise Lulu Gribbin, support shark alert bill to protect beachgoers
Under the legislation, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will oversee the development and implementation of the alert system, in coordination with agencies such as the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, local law enforcement, EMS personnel, and coastal municipalities. The system will utilize wireless emergency alerts to broadcast shark warnings directly to cell phones within the impacted area.
The alert would be triggered only in the event of a confirmed, unprovoked shark attack occurring in close proximity to public shorelines.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), who attended the vote on the House floor and addressed lawmakers, is pursuing similar legislation at the federal level to allow shark attacks to trigger wireless emergency alerts nationwide.
“None of our efforts to protect future beachgoers would be possible without Lulu’s faith, courage, and strength,” said Britt. “Her testimony is an inspiration, and she has truly been a catalyst for change. This commonsense legislation would keep our families and children safe, and there is nothing more important than protecting the people we serve.”
Faulkner said he felt personally compelled to carry the bill after learning of Lulu’s story.
“Lulu is from my community and served on my acolyte team at church,” he said. “Her story is so much more than what happened to her last summer. It’s a story of resilience, strength, overcoming adversity, and trusting that no matter what, God has a plan for your life.”
Lulu’s Law now heads to the Alabama Senate for further consideration. If signed into law, the shark alert system would be operational by October 1, 2025.
Thursday was day twenty three of the 2025 legislative session.
Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at [email protected].
