Rep. Palmer Introduces Lulu's Law to Enhance Public Safety
Today, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) introduced Lulu’s Law in the U.S. House of Representatives, a bill named after Lulu Gribbin of Mountain Brook, Alabama. Lulu is currently recovering from a shark attack that occurred in June 2024.
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Today, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) introduced Lulu’s Law in the U.S. House of Representatives, a bill named after Lulu Gribbin of Mountain Brook, Alabama. Lulu is currently recovering from a shark attack that occurred in June 2024.
Just 90 minutes before Lulu and her friend McCray Faust were attacked, another shark attack took place just a few miles away. Lulu’s Law aims to enhance public safety by authorizing authorities to swiftly issue Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) when shark attacks occur or when conditions conducive to shark attacks are detected.
“As members of Congress, ensuring the safety of Americans must be our top priority. If an alert had been issued, Lulu’s horrific encounter might have been avoided,” stated Rep. Palmer. “Lulu's remarkable courage, faith, and resilience have touched the hearts of many. No child should endure what she has faced, and no parent should have to witness their child suffer as she has. Passing Lulu’s Law is a commonsense step toward preventing future tragedies and safeguarding beachgoers.”
The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is responsible for issuing local alerts to keep the public informed during emergencies. Other WEA alerts include extreme weather warnings, Amber Alerts, and more.
Lulu’s Law has garnered bipartisan support, co-sponsored by 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), and Neal Dunn (FL-02).
This legislation aligns with the companion bill introduced by Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) in the U.S. Senate on July 30, 2024.
