The Alabama Legislature passed a bill to establish a shark alert system along the Gulf Coast.
The bill, sponsored by State Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook), was inspired by Faulkner's fellow church member Lulu Gribbin, who was attacked by a shark off the coast of Florida last summer.
Gribbin lost her leg and part of her arm. Just an hour and a half before the attack, another woman was injured by a shark nearby. That's why Faulkner said the shark alert system is needed.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) have introduced federal companion bills to allow for a national alert system.
Britt visited Montgomery in April to urge the House to pass the bill, which they did on April 17. The Senate passed the bill on May 1, and it will now be sent to the governor's desk for a final signature.
"Lulu Gribbin has shown Alabama what faith and resilience look like," the Alabama Senate Republican Caucus stated. "Now, Lulu's Law is on its way to the Governor's desk to help keep our families safe at the beach and prevent future tragedies."
Gov. Kay Ivey has already expressed support for the bill.
The law will allow authorities to send a digital alert in a particular geofence area after a shark attack. It would work similarly to an Amber Alert or weather warning.
Critics are concerned about the liability and effectiveness of the law.
Alerts will only be sent in the case of an imminent threat of danger, determined by experts.
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