H 291 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act clarifying telephone solicitation

This bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify definitions and restrictions regarding robocalls, specifically targeting automated calls used for sales, contests, or charitable donations. It explicitly prohibits all robocalls to mobile phones, including those used hands-free, while allowing exceptions for informational calls from businesses with a prior relationship and specific government or school messages. The legislation empowers the Attorney General to investigate violations and imposes civil penalties of at least $10,000 per knowing offense, with higher minimum fines for calls targeting seniors aged 65 and older. Additionally, it grants consumers the right to sue for damages or injunctive relief if they receive more than one unsolicited robocall from the same entity within a year.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 30, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mike Finn
Mike Finn
DDemocratic
MA
6th Hampden