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HR 9814

988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Erin Houchin and 2 co-sponsors

The bill directs a formal inquiry and GAO study to assess enabling dispatchable geolocation data for 988 calls, balancing privacy, feasibility, and funding before any mandate.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9814

Overview

HR 9814, the 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026, aims to advance the use of geolocation data for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a structured inquiry into transmitting geolocation information (including dispatchable location) with 988 calls, and it requires a GAO study to assess opportunities, challenges, costs, and implementation standards. The goal is to improve call routing, response times, and on-scene accuracy for crisis responses while addressing privacy, technical feasibility, and funding considerations.

Purpose and intent

  • Improve the effectiveness and timeliness of crisis response for calls to the 988 Lifeline by enabling geolocation data to be transmitted from callers to emergency responders.
  • Examine the feasibility and standards for mandating transmission of geolocation information across relevant stakeholders (telecom providers, 911 system providers, emergency communications centers, and local crisis centers).
  • Assess privacy protections, costs, and funding options associated with deploying geolocation capabilities for 988-related services, including the Veterans Crisis Line and local crisis centers.

Key provisions

  1. Short title

  2. The act may be cited as the 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026.

  3. Definitions

  4. Clarifies terms for consistency, including 911 system service provider, dispatchable location, emergency communications center, telecommunications service provider, and “appropriate committees of Congress.”

  5. Notice of inquiry (FCC action)

  6. The FCC must initiate a notice of inquiry within 270 days after enactment to address challenges in transmitting geolocation information with 988 calls.

  7. The FCC must evaluate:

    • Legal authority to mandate transmission of geolocation/dispatchable location data.
    • Consumer privacy protections.
    • Feasibility and technical implementation standards for providers, centers, and local crisis centers.
    • Costs and funding options for providers, the 988 Lifeline, the Veterans Crisis Line, and local crisis centers.
    • Technical challenges for users on the 988 ASL line via direct video calling and video relay service.
    • Available technologies and methods for transferring location data from 988 centers to 911 centers.

  8. GAO report (study and evaluation)

  9. The Comptroller General must complete a study and submit a report within 180 days of enactment.

  10. The report should cover:

    • Policy considerations on privacy and authority to mandate geolocation transmission.
    • Technical implementation standards for providers, 911 system providers, emergency centers, and local crisis centers.
    • Potential cost recovery and funding needs for providers, the 988 Lifeline, the Veterans Crisis Line, and local crisis centers.

  11. Consultation requirements:

    • Engage a broad set of stakeholders, including telecom providers and associations, handset manufacturers, emergency centers, 911 system providers, state and local governments, the 988 Lifeline, Veterans Crisis Line, SAMHSA, mental health organizations, and consumer groups.
    • Include input from individuals experienced in providing 988 access via direct video calling and video relay service for deaf/hard of hearing users.

Who is affected

  • Federal communications regulatory landscape (FCC) and related stakeholders.
  • Telecommunications service providers and 911 system service providers.
  • Emergency communications centers (including public safety answering points) and local crisis centers.
  • The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Veterans Crisis Line, and related support services.
  • Deaf/hard of hearing communities, especially users reliant on direct video calling or video relay services.
  • State and local governments, including rural and low-population areas, due to potential implementation and funding implications.

Timelines and procedural aspects

  • Notice of inquiry due to FCC: within 270 days after enactment.
  • GAO study/report due: within 180 days after enactment.
  • The bill specifies a consultative process with a wide range of stakeholders during the GAO study.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Improved call routing accuracy and faster response times for 988 crises if dispatchable location data can be transmitted reliably.
  • Balancing safety and privacy concerns, with attention to consumer privacy protections when mandating location data transmission.
  • Evaluation of cost implications for telecoms, crisis centers, and lifeline programs; potential funding strategies and cost recovery mechanisms.
  • Technical and logistical readiness across diverse providers and jurisdictions, including rural and small communities.
  • Specific attention to accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing users through direct video and relay services.

Summary

HR 9814 proposes a structured, phased examination of making geolocation data available for 988 Lifeline calls, culminating in policy, technical, and funding recommendations. It places emphasis on privacy, feasibility, and stakeholder collaboration, with an aim to enhance crisis response while explicitly studying the needs of diverse user groups and the financial implications for involved systems. The act does not mandate immediate implementation but requires formal inquiries and a GAO assessment to guide future decisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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