Tennessee House Bill HB2408

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/26
• Refer: 2/24/26
• Refer: 3/18/26
• Refer: 3/25/26
• Refer: 3/30/26
• Engrossed: 4/6/26
• Enrolled: 4/27/26
• Passed: 5/19/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, Chapter 18; Title 65 and Title 67, relative to communications over a telephone.

Impact

If enacted, HB2408 will significantly impact how telephone solicitations are conducted in Tennessee. It introduces stringent record-keeping requirements, which are designed to ensure compliance and accountability among solicitors. The penalties for non-compliance are also defined, aimed at reinforcing the seriousness of adherence to the new regulations. This law aims to protect consumers from unwanted calls and restore trust in telecommunication practices, balancing the interests of businesses that rely on telemarketing with the rights of consumers to have control over the solicitation practices directed at them.

Summary

House Bill 2408 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated to regulate automated telephone solicitations. It requires entities making telephone solicitations using automated dialing systems to maintain monthly records of such calls and to report these records to the relevant commission on a semi-annual basis. This legislation seeks to impose limitations on the number of solicitations, capping them at no more than 10,000 calls per month to residential subscribers. The bill is intended to enhance consumer protection by decreasing the volume of unsolicited calls and providing greater transparency regarding telemarketing practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2408 appears to be largely favorable among legislators, as indicated by the unanimous vote, with 33 yeas and no nays during the third consideration of the bill. This indicates a bipartisan agreement on the importance of protecting consumers from excessive automated solicitation. Consumer advocacy groups are likely to welcome the bill, viewing it as a step forward in reducing harassment from telemarketers. However, there may be concerns raised by businesses about the administrative burden of maintaining records and the potential impact on their outreach efforts.

Contention

While there was a general consensus on the need for regulating automated calls, the potential contention may arise from the practical implications of record-keeping and the limitations imposed on marketing strategies. Some businesses might argue that the stringent regulations could hinder their ability to effectively reach potential customers and promote their services. Additionally, the penalties for violations, including the risk of civil penalties of at least $1,000 per infraction, could be perceived as harsh, leading to arguments for more lenient regulations that still protect consumers without overly restricting business operations.