State of Emergency Declared in Louisiana - All Telephonic Solicitation Prohibited

State of Emergency Declared in Louisiana - All Telephonic Solicitation Prohibited

Update: Conditions of the storm have allowed the release of the Louisiana Public Service Commission from mandatory its EOC presence, beginning July 15, 2019 at 12:00 PM PT.  Telephone solicitations into the state can resume as normal. Louisiana has declared an emergency which prohibits unsolicited telemarketing calls into the state effective 6:00 am today. I'll keep an eye on the status and let you know when it is lifted. Current Status: EOC Presence Released - All Telephonic Solicitation May Resume as Normal
Mississippi's DNC Registry Welcomes Business Numbers

Mississippi's DNC Registry Welcomes Business Numbers

Effective July 1, 2019, the state of Mississippi has enacted emergency rules that modify their Telephone Solicitation Act. The changes to Mississippi's DNC Registry will impact telemarketing to both residential and business numbers. Expect an increase in civil penalties for violations.

FTC Launches Operation Call It Quits Against Robocallers

FTC Launches Operation Call It Quits Against Robocallers

On July 25th, 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with its state and federal partners, announced a major crackdown on illegal robocalls. The program, called Operation Call It Quits, includes 94 actions targeting operations responsible for over one billion calls.

2019 July Restricted Do Not Call Dates

2019 July Restricted Do Not Call Dates

State Restricted Do Not Call Dates

July 4, 2019 – Independence Day

  • Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Utah

July 5, 2019 – State Holiday declared by Governor

  • Alabama

July 24, 2019 – Pioneer Day

  • Utah

Canadian Restricted Do Not Call Dates

July 1, 2019 – Canada Day

  • National
FCC Robocall Blocking

Phone carriers can now block robocalls by default

Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a Declaratory Ruling that will allow phone service providers to block robocalls by default. Reasonable call analytics will be used by the services providers to determine if default blocking will be allowed.

Senate Overwhelmingly Approves TRACED Act

Senate Overwhelmingly Approves TRACED Act

On Thursday May 23rd, 2019, the Senate approved the TRACED Act which will dramatically increase fines for illegal robocalls. The bill passed with an overwhelming 97-1 vote. Only a single vote from Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) was against the legislation. The TRACED Act’s next stop is the House of Representatives.

FCC Proposes Robocall Blocking by Default

FCC Proposes Robocall Blocking by Default

On May 15, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) submitted a proposal that would allow phone carriers to block unwanted robocalls to their customers by default. Most phone service providers offer call-blocking as an opt-in service, but this new initiative would allow robocall blocking by phone carriers without opt-in.

2019 June Restricted Do Not Call Dates

2019 June Restricted Do Not Call Dates

State Restricted Do Not Call Dates

June 3, 2019 - Confederate Memorial Day

  • Louisiana (statutory but not enforced)

June 3, 2019 - Jefferson Davis' Birthday

  • Alabama

Canadian Restricted Do Not Call Dates

June 21, 2019 - Aboriginal Day

  • Northwest Territories, Yukon only