On May 14, 2024, the Alabama Legislature concluded its session after passing a few consequential bills. While many proposals were introduced and approved, one bill stands out for the way they illustrate the interplay between local communities and state level politics. This bill shows how dynamic local influences affect legislation in Alabama.

HB247, known as Lulu’s Law, establishes a shark attack monitoring and emergency alert system for Alabama’s two coastal counties. Under the bill, the state can issue mobile alerts to beachgoers following shark sightings or confirmed attacks. While the measure is framed as a public safety initiative following a tragic shark attack involving a young girl from the Birmingham metro area, its practical utility is questionable, and the facts suggest it addresses a problem that is statistically negligible.

Notably, the attack that inspired the legislation did not occur on Alabama beach, but on a beach in Florida. Because Lulu’s Law applies only to Alabama beaches, it would not have prevented the incident that prompted its introduction. Supporters argue it may help in the unlikely event of a future attack in Alabama, but the data casts serious doubt on that possibility. Since 1837, there have been only 10 recorded shark attacks in Alabama. Between 2010 and 2024, there were just two non-fatal shark attacks in the state, despite approximately 435 million total beach visitors during that period: an average of 29 million per year. Based on this data, the odds of being bitten by a shark on an Alabama beach are roughly 1 in 217.5 million. To put this in perspective, an individual is over 14,500 times more likely to be struck by lightning than to suffer a shark bite in Alabama waters.

This bill is, therefore, largely symbolic. It may inadvertently create an exaggerated public perception of shark danger, especially considering that shark sightings in Alabama are relatively frequent and often harmless. Regular alerts may lead to unwarranted panic among tourists, potentially impacting beach tourism. This could drive tourists to other beaches in Florida which “underplay” the risk of shark attacks. However, such an outcome is not guaranteed, and is admittedly unlikely.

Despite its practical shortcomings, Lulu’s Law is an amazing bill and should be applauded. This Bill is a compelling example of local political responsiveness. The people of Mountain Brook, Alabama, the hometown of the young girl involved in the Florida shark attack, mobilized around what they saw as a pressing concern. Their state representative, Rep. David Faulkner, responded swiftly and effectively by introducing legislation that addressed their concerns.

This demonstrates a healthy functioning of representative democracy: constituents brought forward an issue, their legislator listened, and the system responded accordingly. Whether or not the bill serves a rational public safety purpose, it shows that political institutions can still be responsive to public sentiment, even when the underlying fears may be disproportionate to the facts. Rep. Faulkner should be commended for honoring the wishes of his district and helping his constituents feel heard and represented.

Communities often feel that their local concerns are overlooked or ignored at the state level. This disconnect can lead to lower political engagement, decreased voter turnout, and a general erosion of trust in the political system. When people believe their voices don’t matter, they naturally begin to disengage from governance altogether. That’s why more state representatives should follow the example set by Faulkner, who listened to the concerns of his constituents and acted on their behalf, regardless of how minor or irrational the issue may seem to outsiders. By championing a cause important to his community, Faulkner demonstrated what representative democracy should look like. His approach serves as a model for legislators across the country: when elected officials listen and respond, faith in the democratic process grows stronger. In this way, even symbolic legislation can have a profound impact, not by solving a widespread problem, but by showing people that their government is willing to listen. Lulu’s Law may not be a model of policy efficiency, but it is a powerful symbol of how democracy can still work on the local level.

If you have a Federal Criminal case, a State Criminal case, a Municipal Case or a Family Law case, contact Joe Ingram or Joe Joe Ingram Law, LLC at 205-335-2640. Get Relief * Get Results.