E911 Compliance for Business Phone Systems: Kari's Law & RAY BAUM'S Act
Any business running a multi-line telephone system — not just hospitals and hotels — has federal obligations under Kari's Law and RAY BAUM'S Act to ensure 911 calls work correctly and first responders can find the caller. This guide covers what every Chicagoland business needs to know, and how CelereTech ensures compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kari's Law in plain terms?
Kari's Law requires that any phone connected to a multi-line telephone system (MLTS) allow direct dialing of 911 without needing to dial a prefix first, and that the system notify a central location on-site or off-site when a 911 call is placed, so someone can direct emergency responders appropriately. It's named for Kari Hunt, killed in 2013 in an incident where her daughter's 911 call failed because the phone system required dialing 9 first.
What does RAY BAUM'S Act add on top of Kari's Law?
RAY BAUM'S Act, effective January 2021, requires providing a 'dispatchable location' with every 911 call — beyond a street address, this includes building number, floor level, and suite or room number where applicable, transmitted automatically along with a valid callback number so first responders can locate the caller precisely in a large or multi-floor facility.
Does this apply to VoIP phone systems, or only traditional landline-based MLTS?
It applies specifically and mandatorily to VoIP — FCC E911 regulations are required of all interconnected VoIP service providers, ensuring VoIP users get the same reliable emergency response protection traditional phone users have always expected.
What businesses commonly overlook this requirement?
Any organization with a multi-line system spanning multiple extensions or floors is covered, which includes far more than hospitals and hotels — office buildings, schools, retail chains, and any growing small business that's added extensions or moved to a larger, multi-floor space without updating its 911 configuration are all common gaps.
What's the risk if a business's phone system isn't E911 compliant?
Beyond direct regulatory and legal exposure, the practical risk is the exact scenario these laws exist to prevent — someone in a genuine emergency unable to reach 911 directly, or first responders arriving at the wrong location within a large facility because dispatchable location data wasn't configured correctly.
How does dispatchable location actually get configured on a VoIP system?
Location data gets mapped to specific extensions, ports, or network access points within the phone system, so when any given extension places a 911 call, the system automatically transmits the correct floor, suite, or room information tied to that extension rather than a single generic address for the whole building.
Does this location data need to be updated over time?
Yes — as staff move between offices, floors get reconfigured, or new extensions get added, the location mapping needs to be kept current, since RAY BAUM'S Act's entire purpose is defeated if the dispatchable location transmitted no longer reflects where that extension is actually located.
Has the FCC issued any recent clarifying guidance on these requirements?
Yes — the FCC issued an updated FAQ in July 2025 specifically to clarify how Kari's Law and RAY BAUM'S Act apply to various multi-line telephone system configurations, reflecting ongoing questions from businesses about compliance in less straightforward setups like remote workers on a company VoIP extension.
Does a small business with just a handful of extensions still need to worry about E911 compliance?
Yes — the requirement applies to any multi-line telephone system regardless of size, though the practical configuration is simpler for a small single-floor office than for a large, multi-building government or hospital campus. Size doesn't exempt a business from the underlying obligation to ensure 911 works correctly.
How does CelereTech ensure E911 compliance for Chicagoland businesses?
CelereTech configures VoIP systems for direct 911 dialing with no prefix required, maps accurate dispatchable location data to every extension, sets up the required on-site notification when a 911 call is placed, and reviews location mapping periodically as a business's office layout or extension assignments change.
Related Guides
Ready to Get Expert Help with VoIP?
Get a free assessment and see exactly how CelereTech can support your business.