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HR-5201House2026-03-26Science, Technology, Communications

Kari's Law Reporting Act

YourVoice.Now Summary

Kari's Law, passed in 2017, requires multi-line phone systems — like those in hotels, offices, and schools — to allow direct 911 dialing without needing to dial a prefix like "9" first. This bill would require the FCC to publish a report within 180 days on how well that law is actually being enforced, including compliance challenges and recommendations for any further legislation needed. It's named after Kari Hunt, who was killed in a hotel while her daughter tried unsuccessfully to reach 911.

Congressional Summary

Kari's Law Reporting ActThis bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to publish a report on the enforcement of Kari’s Law, which requires multiline telephone systems to be preconfigured to allow users to dial 9-1-1 directly from any phone without dialing any additional code or prefix.The report must include (1) a summary of the extent to which multiline telephone system manufacturers and vendors have complied with the law, and any obstacles to their compliance; and (2) related recommendations for improvements to FCC policy or further legislation, if necessary.

Legislative Subjects

Congressional oversightEmergency communications systemsGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsService industriesTelephone and wireless communication

Details

Congress
119th
Chamber
House
Status
summarized
Action
Reported to House
Action Date
2026-03-26
Date Added
2026-04-09