Relative to restricting telemarketer phone numbers
Summary
H3940 would amend Chapter 159C of the Massachusetts General Laws to prohibit telephone solicitors from making unsolicited telephonic sales calls using local phone numbers or area codes that are not actually tied to their physical location or place of business in Massachusetts. In practical terms, the bill targets caller-ID spoofing or misleading use of local numbers by telemarketers, with the goal of making it harder for solicitors to appear local when they are not.
The bill assigns enforcement authority to the Attorney General, who could issue fines for violations under existing penalty provisions. It also directs the Attorney General to adopt implementing regulations and to report violations to an advisory group established under the telemarketing law, which would help create mechanisms for consumers to track complaints. The measure would therefore add a new consumer-protection rule within the state’s telemarketing framework and expand the Attorney General’s oversight role.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new section to Chapter 159C governing telephone solicitations and would create a specific prohibition on the use of misleading local numbers in unsolicited sales calls. It would affect telemarketers and other telephone solicitors operating in or calling into Massachusetts, while giving the Attorney General explicit authority to enforce the rule, impose fines, and promulgate regulations. The bill would also strengthen complaint tracking and reporting within the existing telemarketing advisory structure.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee testimony, recorded votes, or formal debate, so there is no documented split in opinion. Based on the bill’s text, the measure appears to be framed as a consumer-protection and anti-deception proposal, suggesting a generally favorable policy posture toward curbing deceptive telemarketing practices. Because no discussion transcripts or vote history are provided, overall sentiment cannot be measured beyond the bill’s apparent protective intent.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether the state should restrict the use of local caller-ID information by telemarketers when the number is not tied to their actual location or business address in Massachusetts. Supporters would likely view the bill as a needed anti-spoofing and consumer-fraud safeguard, while potential opponents could argue that it may burden legitimate telemarketing operations, raise compliance questions for out-of-state callers, or overlap with federal telecommunications rules. No specific individuals or groups are identified in the provided materials as taking positions.
Requires telemarketers to add a customer's telephone number to all do-not-call lists maintained by such telemarketer when a customer requests to add their number to any do-not-call list maintained by such telemarketer.