By Bob Katzen

This bill would restrict telemarketing companies doing business in the state by allowing businesses to sign up for a “Do Not Call” list and fining companies up to $5,000 if they call a business on the list. Current law only allows individual consumers to sign up for the list.

Under the bill, all current laws that now apply to individuals would also apply to businesses including allowing an individual on the list to sue a company for up to $5,000 if the company violates the law and calls the individual more than once a year; preventing companies from blocking their number from appearing on any business’ Caller ID; prohibiting companies from using recorded message devices to make these calls; and restricting these calls to between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) said he filed this bill to allow businesses to protect themselves from spam calls. “These harassing calls can clog up phone lines and waste time, which can be particularly harmful to the operation and revenue of thousands of small businesses across the commonwealth,” said O’Connor.