Bill > H3323

This bill establishes the Telephone Solicitation Act, which creates comprehensive regulations for commercial telephone solicitation in South Carolina. The act defines key terms like "prior express written consent" and establishes strict rules for telephone solicitors, including prohibiting automated calls without explicit written permission, restricting call times to between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and limiting calls to no more than three per 24-hour period on the same subject. The bill requires telephone solicitors to accurately transmit caller identification information and prohibits intentionally altering caller voices or concealing caller identity. The legislation provides a wide range of exemptions for various types of businesses and organizations, such as religious, charitable, and educational groups, licensed professionals, and certain financial institutions. If a person receives an unlawful solicitation, they can bring a legal action to enjoin the violation and recover damages, with potential treble damages for willful violations. The act includes a rebuttable presumption that calls to any South Carolina area code are made to a state resident and will take effect on January 1, 2026, after gubernatorial approval. The primary goal is to protect consumers from intrusive, deceptive, or unauthorized telephone solicitations while providing clear guidelines for businesses engaged in telephone sales.

Business and Industry

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3323&session=126&summary=B