U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes “Lulu’s Law” to Alert Beachgoers of Shark Attacks

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed Lulu’s Law, a bipartisan measure introduced by Alabama Sen. Katie Britt. The bill would set up a system to send alerts to cell phones whenever there's been a shark attack nearby.

Named for 16‑year‑old Lulu Gribbin, a Mountain Brook teenager who was bitten by a shark off the Florida Panhandle in June of 2024, Lulu’s Law is meant to protect other beachgoers from shark attacks. In that attack, Lulu lost her left hand and part of her right leg.

Sen. Britt praised the bill’s passage, saying,

“Just over a year since Lulu survived a nearly fatal shark attack, I couldn’t be more honored to see the Senate unanimously pass this legislation,” said Senator Britt. “Lulu’s grit, strength, and faith have truly inspired our nation and her determination to help other families and beachgoers is nothing short of remarkable. Lulu’s Law is commonsense legislation that would empower authorities to quickly and accurately put information in the hands of beachgoers to help keep them out of harm’s way. I’m sincerely grateful to my colleagues, including Majority Leader John Thune, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz, Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, and Senator Brian Schatz for supporting this important legislation. I look forward to getting Lulu’s Law to President Trump’s desk.”

The law instructs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to add shark attacks to the kinds of emergencies that trigger wireless emergency alerts (WEAs). This means local, state, tribal, or federal officials could send alerts if an attack happens or if conditions suggest a high risk of one.

Lulu and her parents have been strong backers of the bill. Speaking before the Alabama Legislature in April of this year about the Alabama version of the bill, she said:

“This bill will allow us to help prevent future accidents and future shark attacks. I would like to thank everyone for your support on this bill and I am so grateful. I would especially like to thank the Speaker of the House, Mr. David Faulkner, and Katie Britt. Thank you so much. This means so much to me.”

Lulu’s parents, Ann Blair and Joe Gribbin, said:

“We’re deeply grateful for Senator Britt’s leadership to secure unanimous Senate passage of Lulu’s Law in honor of our daughter. Lulu is truly a miracle, both in the way she has adapted to her new lifestyle and how she is using her experience as a catalyst to protect beachgoers. Real change for families like ours who just want to keep our children safe is now one step away. We strongly encourage the U.S. House of Representatives to pass this commonsense legislation that could prevent future shark attacks.”

The Alabama version of Lulu’s Law passed the Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Kay earlier this year.

Lulu’s Law has strong bipartisan and bicameral support in Congress. Co‑sponsors in the Senate include Sens. Brian Schatz (D‑HI), Shelley Moore Capito (R‑WV.), Bill Cassidy (R‑LA), Tommy Tuberville (R‑AL), Tim Kaine (D‑VA), Raphael Warnock (D‑GA) and others. In the House, Rep. Gary Palmer (R‑AL6) introduced the companion measure, joined by Rep. Shomari Figures (D‑AL2).

Next, the bill heads to the House. If it passes there and is signed by the President, it will bring a new layer of safety to beach life across the country.