Texas House Bill HB447

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to prohibiting certain telemarketing calls by a credit access business.

Impact

The enactment of HB 447 is expected to strengthen consumer rights by enhancing the protection against unsolicited telemarketing calls, especially those from credit access businesses. By limiting the ability of these businesses to reach out to consumers listed on the no-call list, the bill will likely decrease the volume of unwanted calls, thus improving consumer privacy and reducing the frustrations associated with telemarketing. Additionally, this law intends to create a safer environment for consumers when dealing with credit-related offers, particularly for those who may lack the expertise to evaluate such offers adequately.

Summary

House Bill 447 aims to restrict certain telemarketing practices specifically by credit access businesses. The primary focus of the bill is to prohibit these businesses from making telemarketing calls to consumers whose names and phone numbers are listed on the Texas no-call list, providing an additional layer of consumer protection in the telemarketing landscape. This change addresses concerns regarding unwanted solicitations, particularly from companies that offer credit services, which can often lead to misleading or predatory practices targeting vulnerable populations.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding HB 447 could arise from the credit access businesses themselves, which may argue that the restrictions could limit their ability to communicate with existing customers or those who might benefit from credit services. There may be concerns about the balance between consumer protection and the right of businesses to market their services effectively. Discussions might arise about how these restrictions could impact the operational capabilities of credit access businesses and whether they could lead to increased costs associated with compliance and enforcement.