COLUMBUS, Ohio — Hank Hunt continues to champion for the memory of his beloved daughter through “Kari's Law.”

• Starting February 16, every new hotel built in Ohio will have to be compliant with Kari's Law
• The law removes the need for dialing a prefix for an outside line when calling 911 in hotels, hospitals and most office campuses
• Kari’s Law applies to all telephone systems manufactured, purchased or installed after February 16, 2020

“She just lit up a room,” said Hank Hunt, Kari’s father. “I know everybody says that about people, but she really did. She was bubbly, she loved life, and she most certainty loved her children.”

The 31-year-old mother of three—Kari Hunt — was brutally murdered by her estranged husband Brad Dunn in Marshall, Texas, on December 1, 2013.

At the time, her nine-year-old daughter tried calling 911 to no avail — not knowing the phone system required her to dial a “9” before making an outside call. 

Family members believe had EMS crews reached her sooner, she would likely be here today.

“It's haunting is what it is. When my granddaughter told me that, it was at the police station afterwards, and I got angry,” said Hank Hunt.

Soon after Brad Dunn was sentenced to 99 years in prison, Hank Hunt turned his anger into action, canvassing the country, gathering support for “Kari's Law.”

The law removed the need for dialing a prefix for an outside line when calling 911 in hotels, hospitals and most office campuses.

Kari's Law was signed by President Trump in 2018.

The law applies to all telephone systems manufactured, purchased or installed after February 16, 2020.

Franklin County electronic technician and former dispatcher Trevor Ferrell says Kari's Law should provide more accurate, quicker information for dispatchers. 

“You had a young person who was trying to dial 911 and was not successful, so just when we're having conversations with our family members and children so that they are aware when it’s important to call 911, how to do that. And I think this removes the limitation whenever you're traveling with your family, that will make it safer for you and your kids,” said Ferrell.

Hunt says he knows this will be his daughter's legacy and he hopes “Kari's Law” will prevent another family from experiencing the tragedy and pain the Hunt family has endured. 

“Hopefully we're getting it fixed. And that will remain that way into the future, everybody can feel comfortable if they call 911 they're gonna get help,” said Hank Hunt.