988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026

This bill mandates the establishment of a multi-stakeholder advisory committee to address challenges in transmitting accurate geolocation information, including dispatchable location data, to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Federal Communications Commission, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, must form this committee within 180 days of the Act's enactment to provide recommendations for overcoming these challenges.

The committee will comprise 15 members appointed by the FCC and HHS, representing diverse stakeholders. These include telecommunications service providers, handset manufacturers, 911 system service providers, public safety answering points, state and local governments (including those from low population and rural areas), the 988 Lifeline, the Veterans Crisis Line, local crisis centers, and various mental health organizations, ensuring a comprehensive perspective.

The committee's duties involve conducting a detailed study on policy considerations (consumer privacy, legal authority for mandating location transmission), technical implementation standards for service providers and crisis centers, and potential cost recovery and funding requirements. Based on these findings, the committee is tasked with developing specific recommendations for potential legislation and administrative actions.

A comprehensive report detailing the committee's findings, conclusions, and recommendations must be submitted to the appropriate committees of Congress and the FCC within one year. The committee will terminate 30 days after submitting this report, with its provisions carried out using existing appropriated funds.