Call on Congress to Improve Local 988 Response
988 is already making an impact in our communities and saving lives, but there’s more work to be done to ensure everyone can get the help they need in a crisis. Congress is considering legislation that will improve the accuracy of crisis response by matching calls to the closest crisis call center using the caller’s approximate (not exact) location instead of their phone’s area code.
The Local 988 Response Act (H.R. 4974 / S. 3444) improves the access and accuracy of 988 response by:
Requiring calls to be routed based on the general proximity of the caller to the call center, not the area code. The bill specifies that a caller’s specific address information should not be automatically revealed or discernible to the call center.
Requiring carriers to allow calls and texts to 988 even if the plan is inactive or the carrier is experiencing service interruptions.
Extends Kari’s Law to 988, requiring multi-line systems like hotel and office phones to support the direct dialing of 988; rather than requiring a caller to dial 9 or another number before dialing 988.
Urge your members of Congress to support and prioritize this vital legislation this year!