Coming from our member, Tina Lyding of Voicecom Plus, two new laws have been enacted that affect 911 services. Recently, the communications news and headlines have been filled with information regarding the implementation of Kari’s Law and the upcoming implementation of Ray Baum’s Act, both of which are federal regulations regarding the handling of emergency calls.
Kari’s Law
On February 16, 2018, Kari’s Law was signed into Federal Law. Named for Kari Hunt Dunn, the law was championed by her family after she was fatally killed and her 9 year old daughter was unable to reach emergency services because she didn’t know she had to dial “9” to reach an outside line before calling 911 at the hotel where they were staying.
What does Kari’s Law Require?
- That all outbound dialing must provide direct access to 911 service without the caller having to dial an initial number digit, prefix or other access number before dialing 911.
- That a central location on the customer’s site must receive real-time notification of an in-progress emergency call.
- Additionally, emergency calls must be able to go directly to the Publish Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
Kari’s Law takes effect on February 16, 2020
Ray Baum’s Act
Ray Baum’s Act requires that emergency calls must include “Dispatchable Location” information when the call is sent to the PSAP. Dispatchable location information is defined as the street address of the calling party as well as additional information such as room number, floor number and other similar information necessary to adequately identify the location of the calling party.
Ray Baum’s Acts goes into effect on January 6, 2021 for fixed VoIP Terminals and on January 6, 2022 for mobile or remote VoIP Terminals.
For further clarification, feel free to call Voicecom Plus, Inc. at 201-512-3900.
Kari’s Law Link – https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/582/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22kari%27s+law%22%5D%7D&r=20&s=3
Ray Baum’s Act Link – https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/582/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22kari%27s+law%22%5D%7D&r=20&s=3