S. 3199: 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2025

The 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2025 aims to enhance the process of transmitting geolocation information during calls made to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The main components of the bill include:

Establishment of an Advisory Committee

The bill proposes the formation of a multi-stakeholder advisory committee within 180 days after its enactment. This committee will work in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Its primary goal is to provide specific recommendations addressing the challenges of transmitting accurate location information with calls made to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Committee Composition

The advisory committee will consist of 15 members, with appointments made as follows:

• By the FCC:
  • 1 member from a telecommunications service provider.
  • 1 member from a handset manufacturer.
  • 1 member from a public safety answering point.
  • 1 member from a 911 system service provider.
  • 2 members from State governments, including at least one representing a low population State.
  • 2 members from local governments, including at least one representing small and rural communities.
• By the Secretary of HHS:
  • 1 member from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
  • 1 member from a local crisis center.
  • 1 member from the Veterans Crisis Line.
  • 1 member from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
  • 1 member from a mental health services organization.
  • 1 member from a community-based mental health organization.
  • 1 member experienced in services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Committee Duties

The committee will:

• Conduct a study to explore:
• Legal authority and privacy considerations regarding the transmission of geolocation information.
• Technical standards for relevant service providers and local crisis centers.
• Cost implications for telecommunications providers and crisis services.
• Based on the study, formulate recommendations for potential legislation aimed at improving geolocation information transmission to 988.
• Submit a report with findings and suggestions to appropriate congressional committees and the FCC within one year of the bill's enactment.

Committee Operations

The committee will have the authority to hold hearings, gather evidence, and secure necessary information from federal agencies. Members will be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred while performing committee duties. The committee will be formed for the duration necessary to fulfill its objectives, automatically terminating 30 days after submitting its report.

Funding

The activities outlined in this bill will be funded through existing appropriations, meaning no additional funds will be specifically allocated for its implementation.

Relevant Companies

• T-Mobile U.S. Inc. (T) - As a telecommunications service provider, T-Mobile may need to adjust its systems to comply with new geolocation data transmission requirements.
• Apple Inc. (AAPL) - As a handset manufacturer, Apple may be required to integrate additional features in devices to support improved geolocation services for emergency calls.
• Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) - As another major telecommunications provider, Verizon might face obligations to enhance their service functionalities to accurately transmit location data.
• AT&T Inc. (T) - Similar to Verizon, AT&T may need to update operations to meet the new legislative standards regarding transmission of location data.