Lulu’s Law
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2076
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-09: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 518.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-29T18:45:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled Lulu's Law (H.R. 2076), aims to expand the types of emergencies that can trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs)—short messages sent to mobile phones during crises—to include shark attacks, enhancing public safety in coastal areas.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: "Lulu's Law".
- Definition: "Alert Message" refers to the technical term for WEAs as defined in Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations (47 CFR § 10.10(a) or successor).
- FCC Mandate: The FCC must issue an order within 180 days of enactment, designating shark attacks as an eligible event for transmitting Alert Messages via wireless networks.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Adds shark attacks explicitly to the list of events qualifying for WEAs, which currently cover severe weather, AMBER Alerts (missing children), and presidential alerts but did not previously include animal attacks like sharks.
- Does not alter the underlying WEA system but requires regulatory expansion through an FCC order.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: FCC must comply promptly, potentially updating systems and guidelines; minimal burden as it builds on existing infrastructure.
- Citizens: Improves safety for beachgoers and coastal residents by enabling rapid phone alerts during shark incidents, possibly reducing risks in high-incident areas like Florida or Hawaii.
- Wireless Providers: May need minor technical adjustments to broadcast these new alerts.
- No notable international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Primary enforcer.
- Coastal communities and beachgoers: Direct beneficiaries of alerts.
- Wireless carriers: Responsible for transmitting alerts.
- Sponsors: Reps. Palmer (lead), Figures, Sewell (likely Alabama delegation), and Vindman, suggesting regional focus on Gulf Coast safety.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Straightforward regulatory directive; aligns with FCC's authority over emergency communications under the WARN Act (Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act).
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; supports public welfare without infringing rights.
- Political: Symbolic "name law" (Lulu's Law) likely honors a specific incident; low controversy, focuses on niche public safety without broad fiscal or policy shifts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-09: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 518.
- 2026-04-09: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-598.
- 2026-04-09: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-598.
- 2026-01-15: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-01-15: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-11: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Lulu’s Law — issued 2025-03-11 — PDF (2 pages)
- Lulu’s Law — issued 2026-04-09 — PDF (4 pages)