Kari’s Law (SB 788) Signed by Governor Abbott on May 15, 2016 Requires Direct Access to 9-1-1 Effective September 1, 2016

Kari’s Law requires all Texas businesses with multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) to provide direct-dial access to 9-1-1 without having to dial an additional digit such as (9) or any other number first to access an outside line.

Business owners should contact their MLTS provider to determine if their phone system is compliant.  If the existing MLTS system cannot be re-programmed or replaced to meet the direct-access requirement by September 1, 2016, a one-year waiver may be granted upon timely submission of an affidavit.

For more information about Kari’s Law, the requirements to comply, and/or to request a waiver, please visit www.texas911.org/karislaw.