A Democratic bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 6 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +5
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The bill seeks to improve the transmission of geolocation data to enhance the effectiveness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
- Scored +4
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill evaluates technical challenges for those using the 988 American Sign Language line through video relay services.
- Scored +4
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?
The bill directs the FCC to specifically consider technical challenges for users accessing the 988 American Sign Language line through video services.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
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
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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
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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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill evaluates technical challenges for those using the 988 American Sign Language line through video relay services. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill specifically includes the Veterans Crisis Line in its evaluation of technical and financial requirements.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill seeks to improve the transmission of geolocation data to enhance the effectiveness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill directs the FCC to specifically consider technical challenges for users accessing the 988 American Sign Language line through video services.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill includes the Veterans Crisis Line in its assessment of potential costs and implementation strategies for improved geolocation.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill addresses the technical transmission of location data via telecommunications services.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires a GAO report and an FCC notice of inquiry to examine public safety communication challenges. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill notes that mandating the transmission of geolocation data raises potential concerns regarding the protection of consumer privacy.
- 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