In 2013, Kari Hunt was attacked and killed by her estranged husband in hotel room in Marshall, Texas. During the attack, Kari’s nine-year-old daughter was with her and unsuccessfully tried calling 911 four times using the hotel room phone. Tragically, the hotel phone required guests to dial a “9” to get an outside line, even when calling for an emergency to 911. Kari’s daughter was not aware of this requirement. None of her calls ever went through.

After Kari’s passing, Kari’s father Hank worked diligently and successfully with the FCC and Congress to mandate that all MLTS eliminate any prefix, such as “9” to get an outside line, when calling 911. Hank Hunt’s efforts culminated in Kari’s Law.

The Law required MLTS, such as the ones found in hotel phones, corporate offices and call centers, would need to modify their phone systems to ensure that only the specific digits be required to contact public safety. A person calling 911 must have their call get connected directly. Additionally, the rules of Kari’s Law also require MLTS to provide a notification, to a front desk, security office, or other designated person(s) when a 911 call is made in order to facilitate building entry by first responders.

The second piece of legislation, Ray Baum’s Act, goes hand-in-hand with Kari’s Law.