House bill aims to check compliance with 911 dialing law

Bipartisan legislation would require FCC report on implementation of Kari's Law

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:47pm

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A bipartisan bill in the U.S. House of Representatives would mandate a federal compliance report on an existing law that requires new multiline phone systems to allow direct 911 calls. The Kari's Law Reporting Act (H.R. 5201) would require the Federal Communications Commission to publish a report on the implementation of Kari's Law, which went into effect in 2020.

Why it matters

The law, named after Kari Hunt who was murdered in 2013 while her 9-year-old daughter was unable to directly call 911, aims to ensure people can easily access emergency services from multiline phone systems. The proposed report would examine compliance challenges and ways to improve enforcement.

The details

The House Energy and Commerce Committee's Communications and Technology Subcommittee approved the Kari's Law Reporting Act without amendment, advancing it to the full committee. The report would include a summary of compliance by multiline telephone system manufacturers and vendors, potential difficulties and obstacles to compliance, and recommendations to Congress on further legislation if necessary.

  • Kari's Law went into effect in February 2020.
  • The House bill was introduced on September 8, 2026.

The players

Doris Matsui

U.S. Representative from California and ranking member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee.

Gus Bilirakis

U.S. Representative from Florida and co-sponsor of the Kari's Law Reporting Act.

Frank Pallone Jr.

U.S. Representative from New Jersey and ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Jack Varnado

President of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials.

Kari Hunt

Woman who was murdered in 2013 while her 9-year-old daughter was unable to directly call 911, leading to the passage of Kari's Law.

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What they’re saying

“In an emergency, seconds matter, and no one should lose precious time navigating an unnecessary additional step when trying to reach lifesaving assistance.”

— Jack Varnado, President, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (Testimony at House subcommittee hearing)

“People deserve absolute confidence that a call to 911 will go through.”

— Doris Matsui, U.S. Representative (Remarks at House subcommittee markup)

What’s next

The Kari's Law Reporting Act will now advance to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee for further consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to ensure multiline phone systems allow direct 911 calls, addressing a critical gap exposed by the tragic 2013 murder of Kari Hunt. The proposed FCC report would identify compliance challenges and potential ways to strengthen enforcement of the law.