(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — This week, the Tennessee House of Representatives strongly approved an initiative co-sponsored by House Majority Leader Ron Gant (R-Rossville) designed to crack down on robocalls in Tennessee.
House Bill 1245 raises the penalty of misleading a phone subscriber from $10,000 to $30,000 per violation against a person or entity that makes an unwanted robocall. The bill also encourages carriers offering telephone services in the state to implement SHAKEN/STIR technology to help detect robocalls. Finally, it urges the Attorney General to call on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create new rules that will allow carriers to block more of these illegal calls.
“All Tennesseans agree that Robocalls have become a major annoyance and more problematic because technology has evolved, which makes the practice of placing them more sophisticated,” said Assistant Leader Gant. “House Bill 1245 cracks down on these unwanted calls by holding those who place them accountable. I am pleased this initiative has passed in the House, and I encourage our citizens to stay alert when a call comes into their phones and they answer.”
Tennessee is taking strong steps to address the issue of robocalls, and House Bill 1245 is a step in the right direction. Although this is an issue that is primarily under the jurisdiction of the FCC, House Republican leaders will continue to support this initiative and others that help address this growing problem.
House Bill 1245 now awaits action in the Senate chamber. For more information, please click here.
Ron Gant serves as House Assistant Majority Leader for the 111th Tennessee General Assembly. Gant is also a member of the House Finance, Ways, & Means, House Health, and House Insurance Committees, the House Facilities, Licensure, & Regulations, and Tenncare Subcommittees, and the Select Committee on Rules. Gant lives in Rossville and represents Tennessee House District 94, which includes Fayette, McNairy, and a portion of Hardeman Counties.