Bill > H936

This bill modifies North Carolina's laws governing telephone solicitations, with a particular focus on addressing "robocalls," which are defined as voice communications that deliver artificial, artificially generated, or prerecorded messages, including spam and scam text messages, unless made with "prior express written consent." This consent must be in writing, bear the signatory's signature (which can be electronic), include the authorized phone number, and clearly state that the person is authorizing robocalls and is not required to do so as a condition of purchasing goods or services. The bill also introduces the term "robocaller" for anyone involved in making or facilitating robocalls, and it expands the definition of "telephone solicitor" to include those who cause solicitations to be made or provide substantial assistance. Importantly, the bill prohibits "spoofing," which is the act of misrepresenting the origin of a call or text message with the intent to defraud or confuse, and also prohibits impersonating government officials. It clarifies that existing exceptions for robocalls, such as those made by charitable organizations or for existing debt, remain, but the definition of "unsolicited telephone call" is updated to require "prior express written consent" instead of just "express invitation or permission." The bill also strengthens enforcement by allowing the Attorney General to seek civil penalties for violations, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses, and allows individuals to sue for damages, with specific penalties for each violation within a single call. The bill becomes effective on October 1, 2026.