Elected officials in the Yellowhammer State are expressing strong support for HB437, legislation designed to enhance public safety along Alabama’s Gulf Coast by establishing a shark alert notification system.
Spearheaded by State Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook), the bill directs the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to implement a wireless alert system — similar to an Amber Alert — to notify residents and tourists about unprovoked shark attacks or credible shark sightings that pose an imminent threat near beaches in Mobile and Baldwin Counties.
The alerts would be geofenced, meaning they would only reach those in the affected coastal area and be activated by trained emergency professionals.
The bill is named in honor of Lulu Gribbin, a 16-year-old from Mountain Brook who lost an arm and a leg in a shark attack while swimming off a Florida beach in 2024. Her bravery and recovery journey have inspired lawmakers across the state.
Governor Kay Ivey shared her support for the bill and Gribbin in a public statement posted to X.
“Officials in Baldwin and Mobile counties do fantastic work to keep Alabamians and our many visitors safe when they are down enjoying our beautiful beaches,” Ivey said. “Establishing a shark alert system will be an added tool to keep those enjoying our Gulf of America waters safe. I thank Representative David Faulkner for bringing this legislation forward, and I commend Lulu Gribben and her family for inspiring positive change in our own state. Lulu is truly an inspiration and an awesome example of courage. Let’s be Lulu strong and get this bill to my desk so I can sign it into law!”
Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), who has met with the young girl’s parents to discuss the bill, also praised Gribbin’s spirit and determination.
It was an honor to meet Lulu Gribbin and her family to discuss Lulu’s Law, which would create a shark alert system for Alabama’s beaches.
Lulu is without a doubt one of our most extraordinary Alabamians. Her story has inspired millions, and she’s just getting started. pic.twitter.com/t4n8a0YYrG
— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) April 9, 2025
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth pointed to Lulu’s “reliance on faith” through the difficult situation as an inspiration for all Alabamians.
Lulu Gribbin is the young lady from Mt. Brook who survived a shark attack last summer.
Her grit, determination, and reliance on faith and family are shining examples of our American values. Lulu is a strong, resilient young lady who continues to encourage and inspire us all. pic.twitter.com/L1VCjuOr0q
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) April 9, 2025
What’s in HB 437?
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Geofenced wireless alerts triggered by:
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Unprovoked shark attacks
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Credible reports of imminent shark threats
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Administered by: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
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Covers: Mobile and Baldwin counties
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Activation: Authorized emergency professionals
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Implementation date: October 1, 2025
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Legal protection: Includes a clause shielding officials from liability if the alert system fails to activate
The bill will now be read a second time and placed on the House calendar for debate.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
