This bill requires two federal agencies to study how to better track the location of people calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, similar to how 911 calls can be located. The Federal Communications Commission must begin a formal inquiry within 270 days to examine the legal, technical, and privacy challenges of requiring phone companies and crisis centers to share caller location data when someone dials 988. Separately, the Government Accountability Office has 180 days to complete a study and report to Congress on the same issues, including consulting with telecommunications providers, crisis centers, mental health organizations, and accessibility advocates. The legislation affects anyone who might call the 988 lifeline, as well as phone companies, crisis centers, and emergency service providers who would need to implement new location-sharing technology. While the bill does not include specific funding amounts, both studies must examine the potential costs and funding needs for implementing geolocation requirements across the 988 system.
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