Bill > H520

This bill addresses telemarketing practices in North Carolina by strengthening protections against caller ID spoofing and deceptive phone solicitations. The bill first establishes that a telephone number is the property of its subscriber and expands the definition of "telephone solicitor" to include individual agents involved in telemarketing. It prohibits telemarketers from transmitting misleading caller identification information or blocking the true origin of their calls, which means they cannot display phone numbers that do not accurately represent where the call is coming from. The legislation requires telephone solicitors to maintain detailed records of individuals making calls, including their real and fictitious names, addresses, and job titles, for 24 months. The bill also restricts telephone carriers from knowingly providing subscriber numbers to entities that might misuse them for fraudulent telemarketing purposes. As an enforcement mechanism, the bill allows telephone subscribers to take civil action against violators, with escalating financial penalties: $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second violation, $5,000 for third and subsequent violations within two years, and up to $10,000 for each call placed in knowing violation of caller ID rules. The new regulations will take effect on December 1, 2025, and apply to phone calls made on or after that date.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H520