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H.R. 5201 · Science, Technology, Communications
Kari's Law Reporting Act
Introduced Sep 8, 2025 · Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What does this mean?

Kari's Law, passed a few years back, requires office phone systems—like the kind you'd find at a hotel, hospital, or workplace—to let you dial 911 directly, without needing to first dial "9" or some other code to get an outside line. This new bill doesn't change that rule, but instead asks the Federal Communications Commission (the federal agency that oversees phone and communications systems) to check up on how well phone equipment makers and sellers are actually following that law, identify any reasons they might be falling short, and suggest fixes if problems turn up. In practice, this mainly affects businesses and institutions that use multiline phone systems, since the report could lead to stricter enforcement or new rules down the road, though for now it simply requires the FCC to investigate and report back.

Read the official CRS summary on Congress.gov →
Bill Lifecycle
Real action history from Congress.gov — where this bill is in the process, and every recorded step along the way.
Introduced in House
Sep 8, 2025
Referred to Committee
Sep 8, 2025
Passed House
Apr 21, 2026
Received in Senate
Apr 22, 2026
Full action history (16)
Sep 8, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Sep 8, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Sep 8, 2025Introduced in House
Jan 15, 2026Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Jan 15, 2026Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Mar 26, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 495.
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