Ray Baum’s Act 911 compliance is critical for every K-12 school. When seconds matter, the accuracy of your emergency response system can determine the outcome of a crisis. That’s why federal law now requires that every 911 call include a “dispatchable location” — and why K-12 IT Directors must ensure their phone systems are compliant.
In this post, we’ll explain what Ray Baum’s Act requires, why it matters in a school setting, and how Ambit Solutions simplifies compliance for districts across the Southeast.
What Is Ray Baum’s Act?
Ray Baum’s Act is a federal law that, among other things, mandates that all 911 calls made from Multi-Line Telephone Systems (MLTS) must include a dispatchable location. According to the FCC, a dispatchable location must include:
“the street address of the caller and additional information, such as room or floor number, necessary to adequately locate the caller.”
This applies to VoIP systems, on-prem PBXs, UCaaS platforms, softphones, and mobile apps used in your district.
Why Ray Baum’s Act Matters for K-12 IT Directors
Schools are complex environments: multiple campuses, multi-story buildings, mobile devices, and classrooms with limited visibility. If a 911 call only shares the district’s main address, first responders may arrive on the wrong floor or at the wrong building entirely.
For IT Directors, this isn’t just about ticking a box — it’s about life saftey.
Ray Baum’s Act 911 Compliance Deadlines
| Device Type | Compliance Required By |
|---|---|
| Fixed (desk phones) | January 6, 2021 |
| Non-fixed (softphones) | January 6, 2022 |
How to Ensure Ray Baum’s Act 911 Compliance in Schools
1. Inventory Every Phone and 911-Capable Device
Create a full list of all devices that can dial 911, including:
- Desk phones
- Classroom intercoms
- Softphones
- Paging stations
- Mobile apps
2. Assign Dispatchable Location Data
Each device should be tagged with:
- School name
- Street address
- Building or wing
- Floor and room number
3. Configure E911 Settings with Your Provider
Use tools that allow manual address entry per extension. If you’re not sure how to do this, work with a provider like Ambit Solutions that offers end-to-end support.
4. Test Every Device with 933
Dial 933 from every phone to hear the programmed address read back. This simulates a 911 call without contacting emergency services.
5. Review and Update Annually
Reconfirm dispatchable locations every year, especially after moves, renovations, or network upgrades.
How Ambit Solutions Helps Schools Stay Compliant
At Ambit Solutions, we build Ray Baum’s Act compliance into every K-12 phone system we deploy. Here’s what our process includes:
Device-Level 911 Mapping
We work with your team to document every extension and its location. We handle all back-end configuration with the E911 carrier to ensure accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Ray Baum’s Act 911 compliance isn’t optional — it’s federally mandated and mission-critical. For K-12 IT Directors, ensuring accurate emergency call routing is a core responsibility tied to campus safety.
Ambit Solutions makes compliance simple, scalable, and stress-free.
Want to verify your school’s compliance? Schedule a free 911 audit with Ambit Solutions today.
