988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2026

The entire advisory committee structure (old Sections 3-7) was removed, including the 15-member committee composition, appointment process by FCC and HHS, meeting requirements, chairperson selection, personnel provisions, and termination clause.

New Section 3 requires the FCC to initiate a notice of inquiry within 270 days after enactment, with specific evaluation considerations including legal authority, consumer privacy, technical feasibility, cost recovery options, ASL/video relay challenges, and available technologies for dispatchable location.

New Section 4 requires the GAO (Comptroller General) to conduct a study and submit a report within 180 days after enactment on opportunities and challenges for implementing geolocation for 988, with mandatory consultation with telecommunications providers, handset manufacturers, emergency communications centers, 911 providers, state and local governments, crisis lines, SAMHSA, mental health organizations, community mental health centers, and deaf/hard of hearing service providers.

Removed definitions for committee, community based mental health organization, handset manufacturer, local crisis center, local government, low population State, mental health services organization, public safety answering point, small and rural communities, and State. Added a new definition for 'emergency communications center' covering both 911 facilities and public safety answering points.

Old Section 8 (funding provision stating the Act would be carried out with otherwise appropriated amounts) was removed along with the committee structure it supported.

The original timeline had the committee established within 180 days, members appointed within 30 days, first meeting within 30 days of appointments, and a report due 1 year after enactment. The new version has the GAO report due within 180 days and the FCC notice of inquiry initiated within 270 days.