Requires a call-blocking service to be provided in state contracts that include procurement of a voice service; provides that a voice service provider shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability for failure of a call-blocking service to block a call, or mistakenly blocking a call that should not have been blocked.
Summary
Bill S04537 aims to amend the state finance law by mandating that any state contract involving the procurement of voice services must include a call-blocking service. This service is defined as one that utilizes analytics to identify and block unwanted calls. The bill specifies that voice service providers will not be held liable for blocking calls that may have been wanted or failing to block unwanted calls, thereby providing legal protection for these providers in the execution of their services.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will change the procurement process for voice services in New York State by ensuring that all contracts include a call-blocking service. This could lead to a reduction in unwanted calls for state agencies and their constituents, potentially improving communication efficiency. Additionally, it will establish a legal framework that protects voice service providers from liability related to the effectiveness of their call-blocking services, which may encourage more companies to participate in state contracts.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S04537 appears to be generally supportive, as it addresses a common issue of unwanted calls that affects many individuals and organizations. However, there may be concerns regarding the implications of liability protection for service providers and the effectiveness of call-blocking technologies, which could lead to discussions about consumer rights and service quality.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from the liability protections granted to voice service providers, as critics could argue that this may lead to a lack of accountability for service quality. Additionally, there may be concerns from consumer advocacy groups regarding the potential for legitimate calls to be blocked erroneously, impacting communication. Stakeholders in the telecommunications industry may also have differing views on the implementation and effectiveness of such call-blocking services.
Same As
Requires a call-blocking service to be provided in state contracts that include procurement of a voice service; provides that a voice service provider shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability for failure of a call-blocking service to block a call, or mistakenly blocking a call that should not have been blocked.
Requires a call-blocking service to be provided in state contracts that include procurement of a voice service; provides that a voice service provider shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability for failure of a call-blocking service to block a call, or mistakenly blocking a call that should not have been blocked.
Requires a call-blocking service to be provided in state contracts that include procurement of a voice service; provides that a voice service provider shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability for failure of a call-blocking service to block a call, or mistakenly blocking a call that should not have been blocked.
Further providing for definitions, for registration requirement, for unlawful acts and penalties, for blocking of caller identification and other telemarketing screening products or services prohibited, for unwanted telephone solicitation calls prohibited, for violations and for investigation.
Requires voice service providers to display the level of STIR/SHAKEN authentication on incoming calls in an way understandable by the general public; requires voice service providers to file annual reports with the public service commission.
In abortion, providing for access to reproductive health services facilities; in particular rights and immunities, providing for action for blocking access to reproductive health services facility; and imposing penalties.