Kari's Law & Ray Baum's Act
Kari’s Law was signed in to federal law on February 16, 2018. Kari’s Law is named after Kari Hunt, who was tragically murdered in her hotel room in 2013 after multiple failed attempts by her daughter to dial 911. The law is designed to ensure that anyone, anywhere can reach emergency services and that critical location data is provided with that call.
Ray Baum’s Act was created in order to more accurately locate 911 callers. It will ensure all MLTS phones automatically provide the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with a dispatchable location of the caller. In environments such as school campuses, warehouses, multi-floor buildings and hotels, it can be difficult to find the location of the person in distress. Ray Baum’s Act will improve access to emergency services for anyone who dials 911.
Requirements
- Direct dial to 911 with no prefixes
This is the default functionality of the NEC SL2100 & SL1100 - Provide notification when a 911 call is made
See Tech Tips Below - Dispatchable location conveyed
Manufacturer's have 1 to 2 years to meet this compliance
Deadline
The deadline to meet compliance for Kari's Law is February 16, 2020. Willful and knowing noncompliance with the law could lead to a fine of up to $10,000 and additional penalties of up to $500 per day of noncompliance.
Manufacturer's have 1 to 2 years to provide a solution to meet compliance for Ray Baum's Act.
How to Get Compliant
NEC SL2100 & SL1100
When programmed correctly, the NEC SL2100 and NEC SL1100 are compliant with Kari's Law requirements.
Please refer to the following Tech tips:
Remote IP Phones
Remote IP phones must also be in compliance with Kari’s Law & Ray Baum’s Act, so that emergency responders are dispatched to the remote location and not the main office address.
Remote Phones With Analog Lines
Analog lines DO NOT have the ability to assign addresses of remote workers. If the remote worker used their IP phone to dial 911, the emergency responders would be dispatched to the main office address.
These remote workers must be told that they cannot use 911 services from their remote phone. The phone should be clearly labeled and/or hidden, when not in use, to avoid others from unknowingly dialing 911 from the phone.
Remote Phones With SIP Trunks
SIP Trunks on an NEC SL2100 phone system DO have the ability to assign different 911 addresses to specific phone numbers (DID’s).
Action Required:
- The address of the remote worker must be assigned with the SIP Trunk provider
- If the phone is ever moved to a different location, the address must be updated with the SIP Trunk provider
- There may be additional monthly fees to the end-user when multiple 911 addresses are assigned or moved on their account
Remote Hosted Phones
Hosted phone systems DO have the ability to assign the 911 address of a specific IP phone.
Action Required:
- The address of the remote worker must be assigned with the Hosted provider
- If the phone is ever moved to a different location, the address must be updated with the Hosted provider
- There may be additional monthly fees to the end-user when multiple 911 addresses are assigned or moved on their account
My Tech Distributors is not responsible for the 911 setup or updating of addresses when phones move, however we can assist you in making addresses changes if you contact us.
