WASHINGTON – A little over a year after a Mountain Brook teen nearly died from a shark attack off the Florida Panhandle, the U.S. Senate passed legislation to authorize mobile phone alerts about attacks.
Sen. Katie Britt celebrated Tuesday’s passage of Lulu’s Law, her bipartisan legislation named in honor of 16-year-old Lulu Gribbin, that would direct the Federal Communication Commission to issue an order providing that shark attacks are events for which wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) may be transmitted.
“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 Britt (R-Montgomery). “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 common-sense 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.”
Specifically, Lulu’s Law would empower authorized local, state, tribal, and federal government authorities to quickly deploy warnings via mobile phone alert messages to the public if a shark has attacked someone or if the conditions enhancing the possibility of a shark attack are present.
“We’re deeply grateful for Senator Britt’s leadership to secure unanimous Senate passage of Lulu’s Law in honor of our daughter,” said Ann Blair and Joe Gribbin. “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 common-sense legislation that could prevent future shark attacks.”
Lulu’s Law has gained significant bipartisan, bicameral support in Congress. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) cosponsored this legislation in the Senate.
In the House, U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) introduced Lulu’s Law and Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) is a cosponsor.
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