Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan Senate Bill SB0351

Introduced
6/4/25  

Caption

Consumer protection: marketing and advertising; telephone solicitation act; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0352'25, SB 0353'25, SB 0354'25, SB 0355'25

Impact

The enactment of SB 0351 will significantly influence state laws regarding consumer privacy and marketing. By establishing clearer rules around telephone solicitation, including mandatory disclosures and restrictions on contacting individuals on the do-not-call list, the bill aims to enhance consumer protection. It will empower the Attorney General to enforce compliance, imposing fines for violations and providing individuals with a civil cause of action to recover damages from violative practices. This could lead to increased accountability in the marketing industry and better safeguards for consumers, especially vulnerable populations.

Summary

Senate Bill 0351 introduces the 'Telephone Solicitation Act', aimed at regulating the rights and duties of parties engaged in telephone solicitation sales. This act seeks to provide robust consumer protections by defining key terms such as 'telephone solicitation', 'telephone solicitor', and the responsibilities of solicitors, including the prohibition of certain misleading practices. It emphasizes the rights of individuals, particularly those classified as vulnerable, such as the elderly or disabled, by imposing stricter conditions on how solicitations can be conducted.

Contention

While supporters argue that SB 0351 is a crucial step towards safeguarding consumer rights and enhancing transparency in marketing practices, some contend that the bill may impose excessive regulatory burdens on businesses, particularly small enterprises that rely on telemarketing. Critics highlight concerns over the practicality of compliance with the stringent requirements outlined in the bill, suggesting that it might stifle legitimate business practices while not effectively deterring fraudulent telemarketing schemes.

Additional_notes

The bill is also tied to several other proposed legislations, indicating a coordinated approach to reform marketing practices within the state. This comprehensive reform suggests a notable shift in policy towards prioritizing consumer protection and regulatory oversight in the domain of marketing and advertising.

Companion Bills

MI SB0355

Same As Communications: telecommunications; provisions relating to telephone solicitations: repeal. Repeals 1913 PA 206 (MCL 484.125). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0351'25

MI SB0353

Same As Consumer protection: solicitations; unfair trade practices; revise practices relating to deceptive telephone solicitations. Amends sec. 3 of 1976 PA 331 (MCL 445.903). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0351'25

MI SB0352

Same As Civil procedure: costs and fees; filing fees for attorney general in enforcing the telephone solicitation act; prohibit. Amends sec. 2529 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2529). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0351'25

MI SB0354

Same As Consumer protection: solicitations; provisions relating to the regulation of home solicitations and telephone solicitations; remove telephone solicitations. Amends title & secs. 1 & 3 of 1971 PA 227 (MCL 445.111 & 445.113) & repeals secs. 1a - 1e of 1971 PA 227 (MCL 445.111a - 445.111e). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0351'25

Previously Filed As

MI SB1037

Consumer protection: marketing and advertising; telephone solicitation act; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 1038'24, SB 1040'24, SB 1039'24, SB 1041'24

MI SB1040

Consumer protection: solicitations; provisions relating to the regulation of home solicitations and telephone solicitations; remove telephone solicitations. Amends title & secs. 1 & 3 of 1971 PA 227 (MCL 445.111 & 445.113) & repeals secs. 1a - 1e of 1971 PA 227 (MCL 445.111a - 445.111e).

MI SB1039

Consumer protection: solicitations; unfair trade practices; revise practices relating to deceptive telephone solicitations. Amends sec. 3 of 1976 PA 331 (MCL 445.903). TIE BAR WITH: SB 1037'24

MI SB0551

Public utilities: water utilities; water shutoff protection act; enact. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0550'23, SB 0549'23

MI HB5360

Consumer protection: solicitations; citations to the motor vehicle sales finance act in 1971 PA 227; revise. Amends sec. 1 of 1971 PA 227 (MCL 445.111). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5354'23

MI SB0401

Elections: voters; state voting rights act; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0402'23, SB 0403'23, SB 0404'23

MI HB5769

Transportation: authorities; transformational projects authority; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5770'24, SB 0559'23, SB 0562'23

MI HB5090

Public utilities: water utilities; water shutoff protection act; enact. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0980'24, HB 5088'23, HB 5089'23

MI SB0633

Insurance: health insurers; state-based insurance exchange; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0637'23

MI SB0900

Labor: collective bargaining; tenants right to organize; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0901'24, SB 0902'24, SB 0903'24

Similar Bills

MI SB1037

Consumer protection: marketing and advertising; telephone solicitation act; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 1038'24, SB 1040'24, SB 1039'24, SB 1041'24

NC H936

Robocall Solicitation Modifications

MS HB1225

Mississippi Telephone Solicitation Act; transfer enforcement authority to Attorney General's office.

NC H520

Abuse and Deception by Telemarketers

GA SB73

Telephone Services; class action suits and for damages against certain persons for violating provisions relating to telephone solicitations; provide

NC H916

Strengthen Do Not Call/Text Registry

NC H682

Strengthen Do Not Call/Text Registry

CA AB2021

Solicitations: do not contact list.