BILL NUMBER: S8182B
SPONSOR: HOYLMAN-SIGAL
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to requiring tele-
marketers to provide certain information no later than thirty seconds
from the commencement of a call and requiring telemarketers to disclose
their address online and in written communication to customers
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To protect consumers from deceptive and intrusive telemarketing prac-
tices while promoting transparency and accountability in the telemarket-
ing industry.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 states that telemarketers must provide, within the first 30
seconds of their sales, the purpose of the call and other information.
Section 2 requires telemarketers to disclose any request for personal or
financial information from the customer within the first 30 seconds of
their call.
Section 3 provides that telemarketers must disclose their address and
the address of the company they represent on their website and in any
written communication with customers.
Section 4 provides for an immediate effective date.
 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
N/A
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Telemarketing can pose substantial threats to the security of consumers,
and the industry is only growing. As a result of deceptive sales tactics
and pressure to make impulsive decisions, consumers may fall victim to
scams, identity theft, financial fraud, invasion of privacy, etc.
Further restrictions and regulation of telemarketers will help protect
consumers from deceptive practices. By requiring telemarketers to
provide essential information within the first thirty seconds of a call
and to disclose their address online, consumers will be better able to
make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to scams.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.

Statutes affected:
S8182: 399-z general business law, 399-z(2) general business law, 399-pp general business law
S8182A: 399-pp general business law
S8182B: 399-pp general business law