Kari’s Law is a U.S. federal law that requires multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) to allow direct 911 dialing without prefixes and to generate on-site emergency call notifications when 911 is dialed.
The law ensures that emergency calls connect immediately to public safety answering points (PSAPs) and that designated personnel on-site are alerted with critical call details, helping responders reach the caller faster and reducing risk during emergencies.
In short: Kari’s Law removes dialing barriers and ensures someone on-site knows when 911 is called.
Kari’s Law is designed to remove barriers to emergency calling and improve response times during life-threatening situations. It applies to organizations using multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) and focuses on two critical requirements: direct 911 dialing and on-site emergency call notification.
Enacted in February 2020, the law is named after Kari Hunt Dunn, whose death exposed a dangerous flaw in many business phone systems—the inability to reach 911 without dialing an outside access code.
Kari’s Law requires that any multi-line telephone system allow users to dial 911 directly, without needing to dial a prefix, access code, or trunk digit first. In addition, when a 911 call is placed, on-site personnel must be notified immediately so help can be directed to the caller without delay.
Kari’s Law applies to organizations that operate multi-line telephone systems, including:
Businesses and office buildings
Hotels and hospitality environments
Campuses and educational institutions
Healthcare facilities
Government and public-sector organizations
Any system that requires dialing a prefix to reach an outside line falls under MLTS regulations.
| Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Direct 911 Dialing | Users can dial 911 without any prefix or access code. |
| On-Site Notification | Designated staff are alerted when a 911 call is made. |
| Actionable Details | Alerts include callback number and available location data. |
Emergency call alerts are the operational backbone of Kari’s Law compliance. When a 911 call is placed, alerts notify on-site personnel such as security teams, reception staff, or administrators. This allows them to:
Identify where the call originated
Assist the caller if communication is limited
Escort first responders to the correct location
Reduce confusion in large or complex facilities
While Kari’s Law is primarily a public safety regulation, it also plays a significant role in reducing organizational risk:
Faster Response Times: Immediate notification allows help to arrive faster, reducing the severity of outcomes.
Improved Location Accuracy: On-site alerts provide actionable context when PSAP location data is incomplete or unclear.
Demonstrated Due Diligence: Compliance shows that an organization has taken reasonable steps to protect employees, guests, and visitors—an important factor during audits or legal reviews.
Kari’s Law works alongside modern emergency communication frameworks such as E911 and NG911.
E911 enhances emergency calls by transmitting location and callback information to emergency services.
NG911 represents the next generation of IP-based emergency communications.
Kari’s Law ensures calls can be made and noticed internally, while E911 and NG911 improve how those calls are handled by responders. For technical E911 enablement, reporting, and compliance workflows, see our dedicated NEC E911 guide.
While Kari’s Law addresses direct 911 dialing and on-site alerts, dispatchable location requirements are defined under Ray Baum’s Act. For location-specific compliance requirements, see: RAY BAUM’s Act Explained: Dispatchable Location & 911 Compliance
Yes. Organizations must provide on-site notification when a 911 call is placed from an MLTS.
Does Kari’s Law apply to cloud and VoIP phone systems?Yes. The law applies regardless of whether the system is on-premises or cloud-based.
Is dialing 911 with a prefix allowed?No. Users must be able to dial 911 directly without any additional digits.
Does Kari’s Law replace E911 requirements?No. It complements E911 by ensuring access and internal awareness, not location delivery.
Organizations should review their phone systems to confirm:
911 can be dialed directly
Emergency call alerts are enabled
On-site responders receive actionable information
This article is intended for educational purposes only. Mentions of
emergency call alert software or e911 solutions refer to compliance concepts and implementation details.
