Bill > H363

This bill amends Chapter 159C of Massachusetts General Laws to comprehensively regulate robocalls and telephone solicitations, establishing new definitions and restrictions. The bill defines several key terms, including "robocall" (an automated phone call using a computer-generated dialer and pre-recorded message), "robocall telephone solicitation" (voice or text communications aimed at selling products, obtaining information, promoting contests, or seeking charitable donations), and establishes a "pre-existing business relationship" standard. The legislation prohibits all robocalls to hands-free mobile telephones, mobile electronic devices, and mobile telephones, with specific exemptions for school district messages, employee work schedule communications, messages from correctional facilities to victims, municipal and government communications, and informational calls. The bill empowers the Attorney General to initiate proceedings against violations, with potential civil penalties of at least $10,000 per knowing violation (and at least $1,500 for violations involving consumers over 65). Additionally, consumers who receive more than one unsolicited call within a 12-month period can bring legal action to enjoin the violation or recover damages. The bill also includes a 5-year statute of limitations for bringing actions and specifically excludes pre-recorded healthcare messages from these restrictions. These provisions aim to protect consumers from unwanted and potentially predatory telephone solicitations.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H363