Governor Supports New Shark Attack Alert System "Lulu's Law"
Erica Thomas • April 11, 2025
Ivey supports state's version of shark attack alert system
Governor Kay Ivey expressed support Wednesday for House Bill 437, which would establish a shark attack or unusual shark activity alert system in Alabama.
The bill, which is sponsored by State Rep. David Faulkner (R-Hoover), was inspired by Lulu Gribbin, a Mountain Brook teen who survived a shark attack last summer off the coast of Florida.
“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 in a statement. “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 [sic] and her family for inspiring positive change in our own state,” she continued. “Lulu is truly an inspiration and awesome example of courage. Let’s be Lulu strong and get this bill to my desk so I can sign it into law!”
The bill would provide for alerts to be sent to mobile cellular devices in localized areas and to first responders on duty.
The bill passed out of House committee Wednesday morning.
On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth stated, "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."
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) and U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) have both introduced similar bills dubbed “Lulu’s Law” in Washington, D.C.
“If there is a commonsense solution to keeping Americans safe and out of harm’s way, we should capitalize on it. Had an alert gone out on June 7, 2024, the dreadful shark attack on Lulu could have been prevented,” said Palmer. “Lulu’s tremendous strength, faith, and bravery throughout her healing journey has inspired many. By passing Lulu’s Law, we would be creating a practical solution to prevent future attacks from occurring and keeping beachgoers safe.”
“Last June, the unthinkable happened when Lulu suffered a devastating shark attack. When Lulu woke up, she said, ‘I made it’ and since then, she has only continued to prove her resilience,” said Britt. “I’m incredibly proud of her faith, her courage, and her strength – she truly personifies both grace and grit. 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. This is a commonsense measure aimed at keeping families safe – a cause that I know people can rally around, just like her local community, our great state, and the entire nation have rallied around Lulu.”
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