Kari's Law Reporting Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5201
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-22: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:41:32Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Kari's Law Reporting Act (H.R. 5201) requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to produce and publish a report assessing the enforcement of the Kari's Law Act of 2017. Kari's Law addresses issues with multi-line telephone systems (MLTS), such as those in hotels or offices, ensuring users can directly dial 911 without prefixes like "9" for an outside line.
Key Provisions
- Report Requirement: Within 180 days of enactment, the FCC must publish a report on its website covering:
- Compliance levels among MLTS manufacturers and vendors with Kari's Law (section 721 of the Communications Act of 1934).
- Challenges or obstacles to compliance.
- Suggestions to improve FCC enforcement policies.
- Recommendations to Congress for additional laws, if needed, to address related problems.
- Definitions:
- Commission: The FCC.
- Multi-line telephone system (MLTS): Defined in existing law as systems with multiple lines, like those used in businesses or hotels.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- No direct amendments to Kari's Law or other statutes.
- Introduces a one-time reporting mandate to evaluate enforcement effectiveness.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: FCC must dedicate resources to compile and publish the report, potentially leading to policy tweaks or new rules.
- Citizens: Indirectly improves public safety by scrutinizing emergency calling compliance in MLTS environments (e.g., hotels, offices).
- No notable international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- FCC: Primary entity responsible for the report.
- MLTS Manufacturers and Vendors: Their compliance will be summarized and potentially critiqued.
- Businesses and Facilities Using MLTS (e.g., hotels, offices): May face indirect pressure for better compliance.
- Public and Emergency Responders: Benefit from potential enhancements to 911 access.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens oversight of existing FCC enforcement without creating new penalties or requirements.
- Constitutional: None apparent; aligns with Congress's authority to direct agency reporting.
- Political: Provides a mechanism for congressional review, potentially informing future public safety legislation with minimal controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-22: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-04-21: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-04-21: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 5 (Roll no. 127). (text: CR 4/20/2026 H2976) (Roll call 127)
- 2026-04-21: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 5 (Roll no. 127). (text: CR 4/20/2026 H2976) (Roll call 127)
- 2026-04-21: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3025)
- 2026-04-20: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2026-04-20: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5201.
- 2026-04-20: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2976; text: CR H2976)
- 2026-04-20: Mr. Allen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2026-03-26: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 495.
- 2026-03-26: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-574.
- 2026-03-26: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-574.
- 2026-01-15: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-01-15: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-08: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Bill Versions
- Kari's Law Reporting Act — issued 2026-04-21 — PDF (4 pages)
- Kari's Law Reporting Act — issued 2025-09-08 — PDF (2 pages)
- Kari's Law Reporting Act — issued 2026-04-22 — PDF (3 pages)
- Kari's Law Reporting Act — issued 2026-03-26 — PDF (6 pages)