WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 5201 · 119th Congress

Kari's Law Reporting Act

Passed HouseScience, Technology, Communications
IntroducedSep 8, 2025
Passed HouseApr 21, 2026
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Apr 22, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The House passed it 405–5. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 1 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 5201 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (Apr 22, 2026).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Report on implementation of Kari’s Law Act of 2017
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    Kari's Law Reporting Act

    This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to publish a report on the enforcement of Kari’s Law, which requires multiline telephone systems to be preconfigured to allow users to dial 9-1-1 directly from any phone without dialing any additional code or prefix.

    The report must include (1) a summary of the extent to which multiline telephone system manufacturers and vendors have complied with the law, and any obstacles to their compliance; and (2) related recommendations for improvements to FCC policy or further legislation, if necessary.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Reported to House, Mar 26, 2026).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. Apr 22, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Senate
    2. Apr 21, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    3. Apr 21, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 5 (Roll no. 127). (text: CR 4/20/2026 H2976) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    4. Apr 21, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 5 (Roll no. 127). (text: CR 4/20/2026 H2976) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    5. Apr 21, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3025)House floor actions
    6. Apr 20, 2026At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
    7. Apr 20, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5201.House floor actions
    8. Apr 20, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2976; text: CR H2976)House floor actions
    9. Apr 20, 2026Mr. Allen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
    10. Mar 26, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 495.House floor actions
    11. Mar 26, 2026Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-574.House floor actions
    12. Mar 26, 2026Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-574.Library of Congress
    13. Jan 15, 2026Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.House committee actions
    14. Jan 15, 2026Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    15. Sep 8, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.House committee actions
    16. Sep 8, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.House floor actions
    17. Sep 8, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    18. Sep 8, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    Recorded votes

    Sourced
    1. Apr 21, 2026 · HousePassed 405–5
      Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
      On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · needed two-thirds
      R 198 yes, 5 noI 1 yes, 0 noD 206 yes, 0 noEach member · Record

    Cosponsors

    • Nanette Diaz Barragán D-CA-44
    • Gus M. Bilirakis R-FL-12