NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee House of Representatives approved legislation by State Rep. Charlie Baum, R-Murfreesboro, to put restrictions in place for companies who use automated phone calls or “robocalls.”
House Bill 2408 caps companies at 10,000 automated calls per month and required companies to keep monthly records of their call volume. It also establishes penalties for companies who violate the rules.
“Too many Tennesseans, especially seniors, are being bombarded with endless robocalls trying to sell them products or scam them out of their money,” Baum said. “This legislation sets clear limits and holds bad actors accountable for abusing these systems, helping protect consumers and restore peace of mind for families across our state.”
Companies that make 500 or more robocalls per month must submit those records to the Tennessee Public Utility Commission every six months and provide them upon request by the commission or the Tennessee Attorney General.
If a company exceeds the 10,000-call limit, it would be considered an unfair or deceptive business practice under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, with civil penalties of at least $1,000 per violation. Companies could also be penalized for failing to track or report their calls.
The companion version is expected to be heard in the Senate for a vote in the coming weeks.
If enacted, the limit would take effect on July 1, with the reporting requirement for high-volume callers beginning on Oct. 1.
Charlie Baum represents District 37 which includes part of Rutherford County.
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