Alabama Senate Approves "Lulu’s Law" for Shark Attack Alerts
Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Senate has unanimously passed "Lulu’s Law," a new measure aimed at enhancing public safety by implementing an alert system for shark attacks near the state’s beaches. The final approval came on Thursday, with a 32-0 vote, following its earlier passage in the House.
Crafted by Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook) under House Bill 437, the law mandates the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to establish a shark alert system. This system will immediately notify residents and visitors via mobile alerts upon confirmation of an unprovoked shark attack in the vicinity of Alabama’s coastline.
The bill is named in honor of Lulu Gribbin, a young Alabama teen who tragically lost her left hand and right leg due to a shark attack while vacationing in Florida last year. The legislation aims not only to raise awareness but also to encourage caution among beachgoers.
During discussions, some Democrats suggested that alerts should also be triggered by shark sightings, projecting that this could lead to excessive notifications given the normal presence of sharks in the area. However, Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) argued against such measures, asserting that alerts for mere sightings could overwhelm the system and pose challenges for tourism.
With its passage, "Lulu’s Law" now awaits the governor’s signature to become law, marking a significant step toward bolstering safety measures for beach enthusiasts in Alabama. Governor’s approval is the last hurdle before the state can roll out this vital public safety initiative.
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