In an effort to address the rising number of phone solicitations, the Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee reported legislation creating the Telephone Solicitation Act. The bipartisan package seeks to prohibit abusive, annoying, or deceitful behavior by solicitors.
Key Points:
-
- Senate Bills 351 – 355 were introduced by Senators Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford), Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville), Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), and Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan).
- It prohibits calls to individuals who are on the do-not-call list.
- Requires the solicitor to disclose certain information.
- If a person is thought to be violating the Act, the Attorney General must first notify them prior to initiating any civil action.
- It allows for civil fines of $10,000 to $100,000 for violations of the act after notification.
- A person who suffered a loss due to the violation could bring civil action for damages and attorney’s fees.
- The legislation defines telephone solicitation and provides exemptions, including existing customers, communication for religious, political, public policy, or education purposes, or bona fide survey and opinion research, among others.
During the committee hearing, a few well-known organizations submitted cards of opposition, including the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Businesses.
Next Steps:
-
- The legislation was referred to the Committee of the Whole for consideration by the full chamber.
