“Lulu’s Law”: Shark attack alert legislation honoring Mountain Brook Teen introduced

U.S. Senator Katie Britt has introduced legislation in response to the June shark attack on Lulu Gribbin from Mountain Brook, Alabama.

Called Lulu’s Law, in honor of the 15-year-old teen, the proposed bill aims to codify shark attacks as events for which wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) may be transmitted. 

If enacted, authorized local, state, tribal and federal government authorities will be empowered to deploy warnings via mobile phone alert messages to the public if a shark has attacked someone.  

Shark attack alert bill could save lives

In a news release from Senator Britt’s office, Lulu’s parents described why the shark attack alert bill is needed. 

“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. That’s why Lulu’s Law is so important.

We’re grateful to Senator Britt for introducing this legislation, and we encourage Congress to pass it for families like ours who just want to keep our children safe.”

Ann Blair and Joe Gribbin

Elisabeth Foley, a 45-year-old woman and Virginia native, was also injured by a shark attack before Gribbin and her friend McCrary Faust were struck later in the day.

Both Gribbin and McCray Faust, with the help of heroic citizens, were pulled to the shore and aided by medical professionals the day of the attack. Faust suffered minor injuries to her foot while Gribbin lost her left hand and right leg.

McCray was discharged from the hospital shortly after her injuries were treated while Gribbin underwent surgery to amputate her leg above the knee. 

Galvanizing Mountain Brook

The shark attack on Lulu has galvanized the Mountain Brook community. To show their support and raise funds for her recovery, residents have placed purple bows on mailboxes and storefronts throughout the town.

“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.”

Senator Katie Britt

Britt’s “Lulu’s Law” legislation is S.4832. It has been assigned to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation which is chaired by Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington. 

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