Governor Ivey joined in her office by Lulu Gribbin, as well as bill sponsors, Rep. David Faulkner and Sen. Dan Roberts, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and members of the Gribbin family. (Alabama Governor’s Office)

On Tuesday, May 6, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey officially signed House Bill 437 into law. The bill—also known as Lulu’s Law—establishes a new shark alert system under the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for beaches and shorelines in Baldwin and Mobile counties.

The bill was inspired by Lulu Gribbin, one of two Mountain Brook teenagers injured in a shark attack at Fort Walton Beach last year.

New law establishes shark alert system in Alabama

On Friday, June 7, 2024, Mountain Brook teens Lulu Gribbin and McCray Faust were attacked by a shark while vacationing at Fort Walton Beach in Florida. Although the teens were quickly aided by nearby beachgoers and medical professionals, Lulu suffered serious, life-threatening injuries, including the loss of her left hand and part of her leg.

Flashback: Mountain Brook displays purple bows to show support for Lulu Gribbin, teen injured in Florida shark attack.

After the news broke, the Mountain Brook community rallied to support Lulu and her family, with businesses and homeowners displaying purple bows—Lulu’s favorite color. Lulu even received a strong message of support from future WNBA star Caitlin Clark.

In response to the attack, the Alabama Legislature proposed House Bill 437—Lulu’s Law—which establishes a new shark alert system for beaches and shorelines in Baldwin and Mobile counties.

“Alabama is proud to have the safest and most beautiful beaches in the world.

The added tool of having a shark alert system will help officials in Baldwin and Mobile counties keep our beachgoers safe and enjoying the refreshing waters of our Gulf of America.

It was an honor to have Lulu Gribben with me as I signed this bill into law.”
Governor Kay Ivey

Signed into law by Governor Ivey on May 6, the bill will enable Emergency Management Agencies in Mobile and Baldwin Counties to send shark alerts to mobile cellular devices in localized areas and to first responders on duty.

You can read the full contents of House Bill 437 here.

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