In 2013, Kari Rene Hunt was murdered by her estranged husband in a hotel room; When Kari’s 9-year-old daughter tried to dial 9-1-1 for help she could not reach emergency personnel because she did not dial “9” to reach an outside line
Kari’s Law would require manufacturers of multi-line telephone systems to create systems that allow callers to reach 9-1-1 without a prefix or postfix
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) have introduced legislation to make contacting emergency personnel simpler and easier. In 2013, Kari Rene Hunt of Marshall, Texas, was murdered by her estranged husband in a hotel room. When Kari’s 9-year-old daughter tried to dial 9-1-1 for help, she could not reach emergency personnel because she did not dial “9” to reach an outside line. Kari’s Law would require the manufacturers of multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) to create systems that allow callers to reach 9-1-1 without dialing a prefix or postfix. The bill would also require on-site notification to make it easier for first responders to locate 9-1-1 callers in large buildings.
“A dark day for a Texas family drew this problem into the light. By making it easier to dial first responders in case of an emergency, we can help prevent another tragedy,” Klobuchar said. “Our legislation would ensure that no family’s calls for help go unanswered.”
“If even one person is unable to dial 911 during an emergency, that is one person too many,” said Fischer. “We owe it to Kari Hunt, her family, and every American, to fix this simple problem and save lives. Kari’s Law is bipartisan, common sense legislation that would make our families and communities safer.”
"If a 9 year old little girl is mature enough and brave enough to call 9-1-1 in a dangerous and deadly situation, she should be answered," said Hank Hunt, Kari’s father.
Kari’s Law builds on the progress of industry leaders like the American Hotel and Lodging Association to ensure that anyone dialing 9-1-1 on any phone can reach emergency personnel. It would be another step forward in making sure dialing 9-1-1 to reach emergency personnel is as simple and easy as possible. Last year, the legislation passed the Senate Commerce Committee as part of the Federal Communications Commission Reauthorization Act of 2016.
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