Bill · H.R. 9814· House(119-HR-9814)
988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/21/2026
- Last activity
- 7/21/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Joe Neguse
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026," aims to address difficulties in sending geolocation data during calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It instructs the Federal Communications Commission to start a notice of inquiry to examine these challenges. Additionally, it requires the Government Accountability Office to perform a study and provide a report with recommendations. The bill looks at various technical, legal, and financial aspects of transmitting location information. This includes evaluating the needs of specific users, such as those using the 988 American Sign Language line.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+5
The bill seeks to improve the transmission of geolocation data to enhance the effectiveness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+4
The bill evaluates technical challenges for those using the 988 American Sign Language line through video relay services.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+4
The bill directs the FCC to specifically consider technical challenges for users accessing the 988 American Sign Language line through video services.
The opposite
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-2
The bill notes that mandating the transmission of geolocation data raises potential concerns regarding the protection of consumer privacy.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Crisis Response: The bill seeks to address challenges in transmitting geolocation and dispatchable location information during calls to the 러988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Section 3(a)). This could help ensure that help reaches individuals in crisis more effectively.
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Consideration for Specialized Services: The bill requires the FCC to look into technical challenges for users accessing the 988 American Sign Language line via direct video calling and video relay service (Section 3(b)(5)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Privacy Concerns: The bill identifies the need to consider the protection of consumer privacy when mandating the transmission of geolocation and dispatchable location information (Section 3(b)(2) and Section 4(a)(1)).
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Financial Burdens: The bill notes there may be potential costs and funding requirements for telecommunications service providers, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Veterans Crisis Line, and local crisis centers (Section 3(b)(4) and Section 4(a)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+4Good For Veterans+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1Improves Privacy Rights-2
- 8/31/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/10/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Julia BrownleyDemocrat · California
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Erin HouchinRepublican · Indiana
Raja KrishnamoorthiDemocrat · Illinois
Thomas KeanRepublican · New Jersey
Mike QuigleyDemocrat · Illinois