WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) recently introduced the bipartisan 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act alongside Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Congressman Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ-07), and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08). The legislation would improve geolocation capabilities and increase the effectiveness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).
The legislation directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a notice of inquiry on the challenges of transmitting geolocation information with 988 calls and instructs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the policy, legal, technical, and financial considerations associated with improving geolocation capabilities. The findings will help inform future legislative and administrative action to better connect individuals in crisis with local emergency services.
“The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been a vital resource for those facing mental health crises, saving lives across the country,” said Rep. Houchin. “This bipartisan bill will fine-tune location information for 988 calls, ensuring people are connected with local emergency services as quickly as possible when they need them most.”
“When someone reaches out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline during a mental health crisis, every second matters,” said Rep. Krishnamoorthi. “We should be doing everything we can to connect people with the help they need as quickly as possible. This bipartisan legislation brings together mental health, public safety, and telecommunications experts to identify practical solutions that strengthen the 988 Lifeline and help ensure it works better for the people counting on it.”
“It is critical that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects Americans with the help that they need, where they need it,” said Rep. Kean. “This legislation is an important step toward ensuring that people can connect with local resources as efficiently as possible.”
The 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act would:
- Direct the FCC to examine the legal, privacy, technical, and financial challenges of transmitting geolocation information with 988 calls.
- Require the GAO to study opportunities and challenges related to implementing geolocation capabilities for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and provide recommendations to Congress.
- Evaluate geolocation challenges affecting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and access the 988 American Sign Language (ASL) line through Direct Video Calling (DVC) and Video Relay Services (VRS).
The legislation is endorsed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and APCO International.
The Senate companion legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent in May 2026.
Read the bill text here.
