Persistence and perseverance helped turn a near-fatal shark attack into federal legislation this week as Congress gave final approval to Lulu’s Law — a bipartisan effort inspired by Mountain Brook teenager Lulu Gribbin’s determination to help protect others after the devastating attack.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) joined Gribbin and her family on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday as lawmakers passed the bill, which now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
Lulu Gribbin’s courage, resilience, and determination have turned a tragic experience into a meaningful effort to protect others, and I am proud to have played a part in getting this legislation across the finish line.
I am thankful for @SenKatieBritt’s leadership and… pic.twitter.com/KzYMUAOEWl
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) May 20, 2026
The legislation, first introduced in the Senate in 2024, passed unanimously there last year before advancing through the House with bipartisan support. U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) sponsored the bill in the House.
Under Lulu’s Law, shark attacks would be classified as events eligible for wireless emergency alerts transmitted through the Federal Communications Commission, allowing beachgoers to receive warnings about dangerous water conditions following an attack.
Supporters of the legislation say the alerts could help clear beaches and warn swimmers more quickly when dangerous conditions develop after a shark attack.
On June 7, 2024, Gribbin suffered life-altering injuries in a shark attack while swimming along the Florida Panhandle. Her friend, McCray Faust, was also injured. Another shark attack involving Elizabeth Foley had occurred roughly 90 minutes earlier just a few miles away.
“I’m thrilled that Lulu’s Law has passed the House with overwhelming support after passing the Senate last July, and I’m especially thankful to Representative Gary Palmer who helped usher this important legislation through the House Energy and Commerce Committee and to the House floor for a full vote,” Britt said. “After working to get this law passed for over a year, I’m proud we were able to deliver in honor of Lulu’s story, which is a tale of incredible courage and perseverance.”
Britt said the legislation will help make beaches safer for families across the country while also serving as an example of bipartisan cooperation in Congress.
“Lulu’s Law will soon be signed into federal statute and as a result, families and beachgoers will be safer,” Britt added. “This bipartisan legislation is an incredible example of Congress at its very best, and I couldn’t be prouder to have led this for Lulu and our nation.”
The senator also praised Gribbin’s continued advocacy efforts following the attack.
“Throughout this journey, Lulu has been a fighter, personifying both grace and grit,” Britt said. “Her strength and faith have truly inspired our nation and her determination to help other families and beachgoers is nothing short of remarkable.”
“The passage of this legislation is just the beginning of how her story, spirit, and servant heart will leave a lasting impact on the lives of so many across America,” Britt continued.
Gribbin’s parents, Ann Blair and Joe Gribbin, thanked both Britt and Palmer for continuing to push the legislation through Congress.
“As Alabamians, we’re deeply grateful that two of our own federal representatives, Senator Britt and Representative Palmer, have championed Lulu’s Law through both chambers of Congress,” they said. “Their dedication to seeing this legislation passed and signed into law is a powerful reflection of our daughter’s extraordinary spirit.”
“Despite every obstacle, Lulu has demonstrated that perseverance knows no bounds,” the family added. “Whether it’s through her advocacy for this legislation or founding the Lulu Strong Foundation, Lulu’s tireless commitment to serving others continues to inspire our family, our community, and people across this nation.”
Lulu’s Law received bipartisan support from lawmakers in both chambers, including co-sponsors from Alabama, Hawaii, West Virginia, Louisiana, Nebraska, Virginia, Georgia, and Delaware.
Palmer said the bill’s passage reflected months of bipartisan work inspired by Gribbin’s determination following the attack.
“Today, the House passed Lulu’s Law to help keep families and beachgoers safe. Lulu Gribbin’s courage, resilience, and determination have turned a tragic experience into a meaningful effort to protect others, and I am proud to have played a part in getting this legislation across the finish line. I am thankful for Senator Britt’s leadership and partnership in championing this bill in the Senate, and I am looking forward to seeing President Trump sign this commonsense legislation into law,” Palmer said.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
