Bill > H271

This bill, amending Chapter 68 of the General Laws, introduces new regulations for entities that solicit charitable donations for profit, particularly when the charity ultimately receives 40% or less of the total donations collected. Key provisions require these for-profit solicitors to maintain recordings of all solicitation calls and letters for at least 180 days, making them available for inspection by the Attorney General's Office. Furthermore, any solicitor operating under these rules must clearly inform potential donors, either verbally or in writing, that they are "SOLICITING MONEY for Profit" and are "NOT AN EMPLOYEE" of the charity. The bill also establishes that violations of these provisions can lead to civil liability under Chapter 93(A) of the General Laws, which deals with consumer protection and unfair or deceptive business practices. Additionally, it outlines penalties, including civil penalties under Chapter 93(A) and potential criminal prosecution under Section 23 of Chapter 268 of the General Laws, for solicitors who falsely represent themselves as police officers, firefighters, teachers, medical professionals, clergy, or employees of the charity they are soliciting for.