Kari’s Law: What It Means for Your Organization

Key Takeaways

Compliance With Kari’s Law

As required by Kari’s Law:

• Users must be able to dial 9-1-1 directly from any device capable of making calls (dialing a 9, a prefix, postfix, or trunk access code is not acceptable).

• Onsite security or staff must get notified of 9-1-1 calls that take place within the workplace.

This especially impacts:

• Companies with multiple office locations, including financial institutions, medical facilities, etc.

• School campuses (public and private, K12 through higher education).

The Background

The Original Kari

Kari’s Law was signed into federal law on February 16, 2018, after a tragic emergency situation. Kari Hunt Dunn was killed and her 9-year-old daughter was unable to reach emergency services because she didn’t know to dial “9” to reach outside lines before dialing 9-1-1.

Kari’s Law requires businesses to enable the direct dialing of “9-1-1” and directs the FCC to establish necessary 9-1-1 calling regulations for the MLTS that are commonly used in buildings such as hotels, hospitals, and most office campuses.

The Deadline

When To Be Compliant

For enterprises with fixed MLTS phones, the change took effect in January 2021.

Organizations with non-fixed MLTS devices on- and off-premises had until January 6, 2022 to comply with these regulatory obligations.

All requirements apply to MLTS manufactured, imported, offered for first sale or lease, first sold or leased, or installed after February 16, 2020.