Sponsors (13)
The bill seeks to improve 988/911 location-based response and accessibility by standardizing definitions and requiring studies, but it creates privacy risks, significant technical and funding challenges, and governance risks (including expanded committee powers and limits on new appropriations) that could delay or constrain effective implementation.
People calling 988 (including veterans and people in crisis) and emergency responders: faster and more accurate location-based emergency response through mandated geolocation/dispatchable location definitions and clearer emergency communications center terms.
Telecommunications providers, 911/communications centers, and governments: clearer, single referenced definitions and successor-regulation language simplify compliance and reduce regulatory ambiguity across federal rules.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing: improved accessibility potential through FCC study and stakeholder consultation to support direct video calls and video relay services for 988 callers.
Callers (including people in crisis, veterans, and people with disabilities): transmission of geolocation raises significant privacy and legal risks if robust safeguards, limits on use, and retention protections are not implemented.
Telecommunications providers, local crisis centers, and local governments: technical integration, equipment upgrades, and interoperability requirements could impose substantial costs and complexity, producing gaps in some regions and potential higher fees or funding needs.
Programs and beneficiaries: the Act prohibits new appropriations, meaning identified funding needs may not be funded and implementation could be delayed, reduced in scope, or require reallocation from other programs.
Based on analysis of 8 sections of legislative text.
Directs FCC and GAO studies on providing geolocation/dispatchable location to 988 Lifeline calls, creates a temporary congressional oversight committee, and requires stakeholder review without new funding.
Requires the FCC to open a rulemaking inquiry about transmitting geolocation (including dispatchable location) with 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline calls and directs the GAO to report on opportunities, challenges, costs, privacy, and implementation issues for providing location to 988 and transferring location between 988 and 911 systems. Creates a short-lived congressional committee with investigatory powers and staff authorities to oversee the work and consult stakeholders. The bill does not appropriate new funds and must be carried out using amounts already appropriated.
Official title: Instruct the Federal Communications Commission to initiate a notice of inquiry and instruct the Government Accountability Office to complete a study and report providing detailed recommendations to address challenges to transmitting geolocation information with calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and for other purposes.
Introduced November 19, 2025 by John A. Barrasso · Last progress May 12, 2026