Kari's Law and RAY BAUM'S Act for VoIP and MLTS

Do you have a security, front desk admin, or IT person overseeing your enterprise’s voice communications? Whether you’re using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), fixed or non-fixed MLTS, or another phone system, make sure you are in compliance. 

What is Kari’s Law? 

Kari’s Law is one of two pieces of legislation enacted by the FCC to ensure safety and security regarding 911 calls. Kari’s law was named in honor of Kari Hunt who died despite her 9-year-old daughter trying to dial 911 unsuccessfully from a motel room due to requiring a prefix such as “8” or “9”.

Since this law took effect on February 16, 2020, calls are guaranteed to reach 911 directly without the impediment of requiring a prefix or extension in any business or building with a phone system. 

What Does This Mean for Your Security or IT Personnel?

• When a 911 call is made, a designated person, such as security, front desk, or IT admin must receive a notification that a 911 call has taken place. 

• Contact an attorney to navigate these new requirements. 

• Ensure you have a designated person(s) to receive a notification in the event of a 911 call and what format that notification will be.

RAY BAUM’S Act and Your Endpoints

RAY BAUM’S Act is in regards to sharing accurate and precise location information with 911 operators or public safety officials. While Ray Baum is a person, an Oregon lawyer who made important contributions to telecommunications while serving various roles for telecommunications and public utilities in Congress, it is also an acronym: Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services. 

There are quite a few initiatives within RAY BAUM’S Act, but of particular concern to businesses with Voice phone, IT, and security personnel is ensuring the addresses that are automatically shared and associated with your phone numbers are accurate and serviceable in case of an emergency. 

What Can You Do to Ensure Safety and Compliance? 

• Test your endpoints. Make sure your dispatchable location is getting to 911 operators or public safety officials. Verify this with your IT team. 

You must be in compliance with RAY BAUM’S Act as of January 6, 2021, for fixed phone lines such as MLTS, VoIP, and other telephone systems. Also, as of January 6, 2022, for non-fixed phone lines such as MLTS, VoIP, and Telephone Relay Services. 

First, speak with a lawyer, as every business is unique. Second, Ask your security and IT team these questions:

• Does your emergency location information for employees need to be updated? Are there any missing details such as building, suite, floor number, or conference rooms? 

• Are your remote employees accounted for concerning RAY BAUM’S Act? If utilizing VoIP and nomadic phone numbers, be sure to audit and include provisions for emergency location information. 

• Test, test, test! Verify your endpoints are generating the correct addresses. While various testing services exist, you may need to contact your 911 call centers accordingly. 

Between Kari’s Law and RAY BAUM’S Act, emergency 911 calls are guaranteed to be connected seamlessly without any barriers and emergency responders will promptly arrive at the correct location. 

RECAP

• Kari’s Law 911
  • Dial 911 without an access code
  • Central Notification – Due Now
  • (Feb 2020)
• RAY BAUMS Act - FCC Information
  • Compliance for desk phones due 1/6/2021
  • Mobile, Softphone, and Remote due 1/6/2022
    • Assures Calls Make it to the correct PSAP
    • Enhanced 911 location
    • Ensures callback
    • Alerts Security Personnel
• Required for All Businesses
  
  
• Resource
  • Cisco Guidance

Are your endpoints up-to-date with these new laws? The security experts at Emerge IT can help you configure and verify all of your voice endpoints and more, keeping your enterprise in compliance. Contact Emerge IT today at 859-746-1030.