If your business uses a multi-line telephone system (MLTS) - which includes most office phone systems, VoIP systems, and PBX setups - you need to understand Kari's Law. This federal law affects how 911 calls are made from your workplace and carries real compliance requirements.
What Is Kari's Law?
Kari's Law is a federal regulation that went into effect on February 16, 2020. It mandates that all multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) in the United States must:
- Allow direct 911 dialing - Users must be able to dial 911 directly without needing to dial a prefix (like "9" for an outside line) or any other code first.
- Provide on-site notification - When a 911 call is made, the system must notify a designated person at the facility (such as a front desk, security office, or manager) so they can meet first responders and direct them to the emergency.
Why Does Kari's Law Exist?
The law is named after Kari Hunt Dunn, who was tragically killed by her estranged husband in a Texas hotel room in December 2013. During the attack, Kari's 9-year-old daughter tried to call 911 four times from the hotel room phone, but the calls never went through.
Why? The hotel's phone system required dialing "9" before any outside call, including 911. A terrified child in an emergency didn't know this - and help never came in time.
Kari's father, Hank Hunt, championed the cause to change this, working with legislators to ensure no other family would face the same tragedy. The law was signed in 2018 and took effect in 2020.
What Problems Does Kari's Law Solve?
- Eliminates dialing confusion in emergencies - In a crisis, people (especially children, visitors, or panicked employees) shouldn't need to remember special codes to reach help.
- Speeds up emergency response - Direct dialing means faster connection to 911 dispatchers.
- Improves on-site coordination - The notification requirement ensures someone on-site knows help is coming and can guide first responders to the exact location.
Who Must Comply?
Kari's Law applies to any business, organization, or property that uses a multi-line telephone system, including:
- Office buildings and corporate campuses
- Hotels and resorts
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Apartment complexes and condominiums
- Government buildings
- Any business with a phone system that has multiple extensions
How to Ensure Your Phone System Is Compliant
If you're using a modern cloud VoIP system from a reputable provider, you're likely already compliant - but you should verify. Here's what to check:
- Test direct 911 dialing - Pick up any phone in your office and verify you can dial 911 directly without any prefix. (Note: You can often test with 933, a non-emergency test line in many areas.)
- Configure on-site notifications - Set up your phone system to alert a designated person (or group) whenever 911 is dialed. This is usually an email, text, or screen pop.
- Document your compliance - Keep records of your system configuration and testing for liability protection.
Kari's Law and Ray Baum's Act
Kari's Law works hand-in-hand with Ray Baum's Act, which requires that 911 calls from MLTS provide a "dispatchable location" - meaning the specific floor, room, or office where the call originated, not just the building address. Together, these laws ensure that emergency responders can reach the right person at the right location as quickly as possible.
Is Your Business Compliant?
If you're unsure whether your phone system meets Kari's Law requirements, we can help. Our VoIP solutions are fully compliant with both Kari's Law and Ray Baum's Act, with built-in direct 911 dialing and configurable notifications.
Contact us for a free phone system assessment - we'll review your current setup and ensure you're meeting all federal emergency calling requirements.
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