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A 1216

Relates to increasing penalties for violations involving the use of pre-recorded phone messages by telephone solicitors

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeffrey Dinowitz and 1 co-sponsor

A 1216 increases penalties for telemarketers using pre-recorded messages, targeting robocalls; aims to deter abuses and protect consumers.

REFERRED TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PROTECTION
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Bill Summary · A 1216

Summary: Assembly Bill A 1216 (Relates to increasing penalties for violations involving the use of pre-recorded phone messages by telephone solicitors)

What the bill would do

  • The bill seeks to increase penalties for violations involving the use of pre-recorded phone messages by telephone solicitors. In other words, it targets robocalls and similar practices by those making telemarketing calls that rely on pre-recorded messages, and would raise the consequences for noncompliance.

Key provisions (as described)

  • The primary change is the elevation of penalties for violations related to the use of pre-recorded messages in telephone solicitation.
  • The bill would define how violations are measured and enforced, and would establish the enforcement framework and remedies tied to these violations.
  • Details on the specific penalty amounts, tiers, civil or criminal consequences, and enforcement authorities would be defined in the text of the bill itself.

Note: The exact statutory language, including definitions, penalty levels, and enforcement mechanisms, is not provided in the current summary. The bill text would spell out these specifics if enacted.

Who would be affected

  • Telephone solicitors and their agents or contractors who use pre-recorded (robocall) messages in telemarketing campaigns.
  • Businesses and organizations that employ or contract with telemarketing firms using prerecorded messages.
  • Consumers who receive telemarketing calls using prerecorded messages, who would benefit from stronger penalties aimed at discouraging improper practices.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Bill number: A 1216
  • Title: Relates to increasing penalties for violations involving the use of pre-recorded phone messages by telephone solicitors
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection
  • Introduced: January 9, 2025
  • Legislative actions recorded: Two identical entries on 2025-01-09 showing referral to the same committee
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor Jeffrey Dinowitz; cosponsor David Weprin
  • Related bills (prior sessions): A 2285, A 594, A 8380, A 5221, A 3302, A 1467, A 863, all from prior sessions and likely addressing related telemarketing or consumer-protection themes

Potential impact and considerations

  • Consumers would gain greater deterrents against abusive pre-recorded telemarketing practices.
  • Telemarketers using prerecorded messages would face higher penalties, potentially increasing compliance costs and prompting revisions to calling practices.
  • The bill is in early stages; subsequent steps would include committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes. If enacted, an effective date would be specified in the final bill text.

For readers seeking deeper understanding, the next key move is to review the Committee’s hearings and any accompanying fiscal notes or impact statements once the bill advances.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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