Last Updated on January 9, 2023 by Jaron Davis
Kari’s Law and the Ray Baum Act are two pieces of legislation in the United States that address emergency calling and the use of private Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. These laws have important implications for companies that use VoIP systems and it is important for them to understand and comply with these regulations.
Kari’s Law, named after Kari Hunt Dunn, who was tragically killed in a hotel room in 2013, requires multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) to allow users to directly initiate a call to 9-1-1 without dialing an additional digit, such as an “8” or a “9”. The purpose of this law is to ensure that individuals, especially children, can easily access emergency services in the event of an emergency. Failing to comply with this requirement could result in fines and penalties from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and could also leave a company vulnerable to legal action in the event of an emergency where access to 9-1-1 was impeded.
The Ray Baum Act, named after the late Congressman Ray Baum, is a more comprehensive law that addresses a range of issues related to emergency communications. The provisions of the Ray Baum Act include:
- Requiring VoIP service providers to ensure that 9-1-1 calls are properly routed to the appropriate public safety answering point (PSAP)
- Requiring VoIP service providers to ensure that the caller’s location is accurately conveyed to the PSAP
- Establishing a framework for the deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) systems
- Providing funding for the deployment of NG911 systems
One of the provisions of the Ray Baum Act requires VoIP service providers to ensure that the caller’s location is accurately conveyed to the public safety answering point (PSAP) when a 9-1-1 call is placed. The Act does not specify the exact location information that must be provided, but it does require that the information be specific enough to allow first responders to locate the caller as quickly as possible. Companies that fail to comply with this requirement and other provisions of the Act may be subject to fines and penalties from the FCC, as well as legal action and damage to their reputation.
In addition to these federal regulations, there may also be state and local laws that apply to the use of private VoIP systems for emergency calling. Companies should be familiar with these laws and ensure that they are in compliance with them.
In summary, Kari’s Law and the Ray Baum Act are two important pieces of legislation that address emergency calling and the use of private VoIP systems in the United States. Companies that use VoIP systems should be aware of these laws and ensure that they are in compliance with them, as well as any other relevant federal, state, and local regulations. Failing to comply with these laws and regulations can result in fines, penalties, legal action, and damage to a company’s reputation. It is important for companies to ensure that they are in compliance in order to protect both their business and the safety of their customers.
Additional Resource: https://www.911.gov/issues/legislation-and-policy/kari-s-law-and-ray-baum-s-act/