Kari’s Law + Ray Baum’s Act

Kari’s Law applies to multi-line telephone systems (MLTS), which are often used by office buildings, campuses, and hotels. Kari’s Law requires MLTS to allow users to dial 911 directly without requiring that they dial a prefix to reach an outside line. In addition, MLTS must provide a notification to a security office or front desk when a 911 call is made.

RAY BAUM’s Act emphasizes the importance of sharing precise location information when calling 911, which is invaluable to first responders in locating callers and can drastically increase the potential for better emergency outcomes.

Section 506 of the RAY BAUM’s Act requires the FCC to consider adopting rules to ensure that a 911 caller’s dispatchable location is properly conveyed with the call, regardless of the technological platform used. “Dispatchable location” is defined as “the street address of the calling party, and additional information such as room number, floor number, or similar information necessary to adequately identify the location of the calling party.”1

By February 16, 2020, an organization needs to modify their communications systems that comply with the mandates of Kari’s Law. Any business or agency that does not comply with Kari’s Law could face a fine of up to $10,000 in addition to other penalties, including a daily fine of up to $500 each day they are found not in compliance. Organizations might also create risks of endangering their employees, customers, and others, as well as potentially devastating civil liabilities when a tragedy occurs.

In accordance with the FCC’s order implementing RAY BAUM’S Act, the initial compliance dates for the Section 506 “dispatchable location” components are January 6, 2021 for fixed MLTS calls and January 6, 2020 for non-fixed MLTS calls.