What does Preamble of 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin a notice of inquiry. The bill also instructs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study and report. The study and report should provide detailed recommendations to address challenges related to transmitting geolocation information with calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

What does SHORT TITLE. of 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “911 system service provider” is defined by reference to a specific section of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. “Appropriate committees of Congress” includes the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. “Dispatchable location” is defined by reference to section 9.3 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. “Emergency communications center” is defined as a facility receiving 911 requests or a public safety answering point. “Telecommunications service provider” is defined by reference to section 52.5(e) of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

What does NOTICE OF INQUIRY. of 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This section requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a notice of inquiry within 270 days of the Act's enactment. The notice of inquiry will address challenges related to transmitting geolocation information with calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The FCC must consider legal authorities, consumer privacy, technical feasibility, and costs when evaluating responses to the notice. Considerations include the impact on telecommunications service providers, 911 system service providers, public safety answering points, and local crisis centers. The evaluation will also assess technical challenges for users of the 988 American Sign Language line and methods for transferring location information.

What does GAO REPORT. of 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This section requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress regarding the implementation of geolocation for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The study must address policy considerations related to consumer privacy and legal authority for mandating geolocation information transmission. The report should also cover technical implementation standards for various service providers and centers. The study will examine potential cost recovery or funding needs for telecommunications providers, the 988 Lifeline, the Veterans Crisis Line, and local crisis centers. The Comptroller General must consult with a wide range of stakeholders during the study, including telecommunications providers, handset manufacturers, emergency communications centers, state and local governments, and mental health organizations.

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988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/12/2026 · Introduced: 11/19/2025

Author: John Barrasso (R-WY)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate challenges in transmitting geolocation information during 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline calls, considering factors like consumer privacy and technical feasibility.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will conduct a study and report to Congress on implementing geolocation for the 988 Lifeline, including policy considerations, technical standards, and potential funding needs.
The bill requires the GAO to consult with various stakeholders, including telecommunications providers, emergency centers, and mental health organizations, to inform the study on 988 geolocation implementation.

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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