New Jersey Senate Bill S573

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires telemarketers making sales calls to display their name and telephone number on any caller identification service; prohibits certain caller identification service manipulation and provides additional penalty.

Impact

The bill aims to strengthen consumer protection laws by providing individuals with greater transparency regarding telemarketing calls. By enforcing the display of legitimate caller identification, consumers can make informed decisions about which calls to answer, potentially reducing unwanted interruptions and protecting their privacy. The legislation also gives authorities a framework for penalizing those who use misleading techniques, thus making it a proactive measure against harassment through unsolicited calls.

Summary

Senate Bill S573 focuses on regulating telemarketing practices in New Jersey, specifically regarding caller identification. The bill requires telemarketers making sales calls to display their name and telephone number on caller identification services used by recipients. This provision is intended to reduce deceptive practices where telemarketers manipulate caller identification to conceal their identity. Additionally, the bill imposes penalties for telemarketers who fail to comply with this requirement or who attempt to manipulate caller ID information with fraudulent intentions.

Contention

While the bill is rooted in protecting consumer rights and privacy, it could face contention from telemarketing agencies and businesses that rely on these practices. Critics might argue that the regulations could hinder legitimate telemarketing efforts and restrict business operations. The balance between protecting public privacy and allowing businesses to operate effectively will likely be a major point of discussion in legislative hearings and public forums.