BILL NUMBER: S4537
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to requiring a call-
blocking service to be provided in state contracts that include procure-
ment if a voice service
 
PURPOSE:
This bill helps consumers by requiring phone service providers to make
the technology available that would block automated robo-solicitation
calls and calls that use fake caller IDs to trick people into answering.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 14
to read as follows:
1.(a)-(d) Definitions
2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, where a a
contract that includes the procurement of a voice service is to be
awarded by a state agency, public authority, or municipality under a
competitive bidding process or a request for proposal process; such
contract shall require that any voice service furnished to the state or
any of its political subdivisions shall include a call-blocking service.
3. A voice service provider that provides a call-blocking service pursu-
ant to this section shall not be subject to any civil or criminal
liability because such call-blocking service blocked a call that was
wanted or failed to block an unwanted call.
Section 2: Sets effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
We all get calls from businesses, individuals, and enterprises attempt-
ing to solicit you by phone, even if your number is registered with the
Do Not Call Registry. They use technology that transmits false caller ID
information and automated call systems that dial thousands of numbers
daily. Not only are these calls annoying and cause one to screen even
their legitimate calls, but sometimes these calls are from criminals
attempting to scam the unsuspecting and others attempting to harass or
threaten. Simply put, these calls are not legitimate use of telecommuni-
cation services, and we should not receive them.
New York State and its political subdivisions contract with numerous
telecommunication companies. Technology can prevent over 80% of these
calls from being transmitted to your landline or wireless phone. Tele-
communications companies are not responsible for allowing their product
to be utilized for illegal purposes. This legislation, if passed, will
prohibit any telecommunication company from contracting with New York
State or any of its political subdivisions unless they provide automated
call-blocking technology free of charge to all their landline or wire-
less telephone customers in New York State.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2019: S3434, Referred to Finance
2020: S3434, Referred to Finance
2021: S1826B, Advanced to Third Reading
2022: S1826B, Passed Senate
2023: S3368, Referred to Finance
2024: S3368, Referred to Finance
Assembly
2019: A3481, Referred to Governmental Operations
2020: A3481, Referred to Governmental Operations
2021: A590B, Amend and Recommit to Governmental Operations
2022: A590B, Referred to Governmental Operations
2023: A4371, Referred to Governmental Operations
2024: A4371, Referred to Governmental Operations
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act takes effect on the first of January next succeeding the date
it shall have become law.