A bill inspired by a teenage shark attack survivor from Alabama has captured national attention after being featured on NBC’s “Today Show.”

Lulu Gribbin, 16, appeared on the broadcast to share her story of survival and advocacy in support of HB437 — dubbed “Lulu’s Law” — which would establish a shark alert system for Alabama beaches.

“I lost about two-thirds of my blood, which is crazy that I was able to just make it and be able to make it to the hospital,” Gribbin said on the show. “I chose to [advocate] for the people who didn’t make it and for the people who never got the chance.” 

Gribbin was attacked last June while swimming along Florida’s Gulf Coast, losing her hand and part of her leg. Dramatic video of bystanders pulling her from the water quickly went viral. Just 90 minutes earlier, another swimmer was injured in a separate shark attack nearby.

RELATED: Alabama House passes ‘Lulu’s Law’ to launch shark alert system for Gulf Coast beaches

The legislation would allow emergency management officials to send out alerts to cell phones — similar to the Amber Alert system — when a shark attack is confirmed in nearby waters.

“This bill is giving a tool in the toolbox for our emergency personnel,” said State Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook) during the “Today Show” segment. “That technology is there.”

Faulkner, who sponsored the legislation, said he was moved by Lulu’s story and her advocacy on the Alabama House floor. The bill is already inspiring action in other coastal states. Florida’s House Speaker called Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) during the session to express interest in implementing a similar system.

The bill passed the Alabama House of Representatives last week and is expected to clear the Senate, with Governor Kay Ivey signaling her intent to sign it into law.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at grace@yellowhammernews.com.