Robocall Bill Clears Committee
The “Stopping Bad Robocalls Act” on Wednesday, July 17 passed the full House Energy and Commerce Committee by a bipartisan 48-0 vote. The purpose of the bill is to reduce illegal robocalls that harm and annoy consumers. The bill changed significantly from when it was introduced earlier this year. While AFSA supports some of the provisions in the legislation, AFSA expressed concerns that legitimate calls could be erroneously blocked under the legislation. AFSA worked with members of the committee on changes that would lessen the impact the bill would have on legitimate businesses contacting their customers.
A full House vote on the legislation is expected soon. The Senate passed a similar bill, the TRACED Act, in May. After the House passes the legislation, it moves to a conference committee where members of the House and Senate will merge the two bills.
AFSA will continue to reiterate its concerns regarding the call-blocking provisions and other definitions.
July 17th, 2019
