U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) introduced companion legislation to a bill originally brought forward in July by U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), Lulu’s Law, authored in name and action after a young Alabama girl, Lulu Gribbin, fell victim to a life-threatening shark attack while vacationing in Florida earlier this year.
If passed, Lulu’s Law would codify the ability for authorities to quickly deploy wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) to the public if someone has been attacked by a shark or if the conditions for a shark attack are present.
Today, I introduced Lulu's Law.
This bill codifies the ability for authorities to quickly deploy alerts to the public if someone has been attacked by a shark nearby. This is a commonsense solution to prevent future attacks from occurring and keep beachgoers out of harm’s way.
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) August 16, 2024
“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.”
Britt thanked Palmer for introducing the legislation in the House.
“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. When Lulu woke up, she said, ‘I made it.’ This brave Alabama girl is resilient—she is a true fighter, personifying both grace and grit. I’m incredibly proud of her faith, her courage, and her strength. Lulu’s Law would empower authorities to quickly and accurately put information in the hands of beachgoers to help keep them out of harm’s way.”
Lulu’s parents, Anna Blair and Joe Gribbin, explained why the bill is so important.
“We are eternally grateful that Lulu survived the shark attack on June 7. Lulu is a fighter. We will get through this, and she will adapt to her new lifestyle. However, we remain in disbelief this accident occurred. This was the second attack that day in close proximity, and it could have been prevented with a better alert system.”
The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and sends out local alerts in an effort to provide emergency information to the public. Other WEA alerts include extreme weather warnings, amber alerts, and more.
Lulu’s Law is co-sponsored by all of Alabama’s congressional representatives: Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Jerry Carl (AL-01), Barry Moore (AL-02), Mike Rogers (AL-03), Dale Strong (AL-05).
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
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