S1003-119

What This Bill Does

Lulu's Law requires the Federal Communications Commission to update Wireless Emergency Alert rules so shark attacks can be treated as alertable emergencies. Within 180 days after enactment, the FCC must issue an order allowing alert messages for shark attacks under the WEA system.

Who Benefits and How

Beachgoers benefit because local authorities can send rapid phone alerts when a shark attack creates an immediate coastal safety risk. Coastal communities and coastal tourism operators benefit because a clear alert pathway can help lifeguards, emergency managers, and municipal officials warn the public quickly instead of relying only on beach signage or local media.

State emergency management agencies, local emergency management agencies, lifeguard authorities, and NOAA-linked alert originators benefit from clearer authority to use the WEA channel for a specific coastal hazard.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Federal Communications Commission must issue the required order within 180 days and incorporate shark attacks into the WEA event framework. Commercial wireless carriers may need to process those alerts through existing WEA infrastructure, while alert originators must decide when a shark attack justifies a public emergency message.

Key Provisions

• Requires the FCC to issue a Wireless Emergency Alert order within 180 days.
• Expands WEA-eligible events to include shark attacks.
• Uses the existing regulatory definition of an Alert Message in 47 C.F.R. 10.10(a).
• Gives coastal emergency managers a federal alert pathway for shark-attack incidents.