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SB 2659

Utilities, Utility Districts - As introduced, requires the public utility commission to submit an annual report regarding compliance with present laws regulating persons or entities who make telephone or text message solicitations to residential subscribers in this state to the chair of the committee of the house of representatives having jurisdiction over commerce and the chair of the commerce and labor committee of the senate. - Amends TCA Title 47, Chapter 18; Title 65 and Title 67.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee bill requires annual PUC compliance reports on telemarketing/text solicitation laws sent to legislative commerce committees for oversight accountability.

Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 4/21/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 2659

Legislative bill overview

SB 2659 requires Tennessee's Public Utility Commission to submit annual reports to relevant legislative committees documenting compliance with existing state laws that regulate telemarketing and text message solicitations to residential subscribers. The bill amends three sections of Tennessee code related to utilities and communications regulation.

Why is this important

Telemarketing and unsolicited text messages are persistent consumer complaints, and this accountability mechanism ensures regulatory oversight is transparent and documented. Annual reporting creates a paper trail for lawmakers to assess whether current protections are effective and where enforcement gaps may exist.

Potential points of contention

  • Reporting burden: Creating new annual reporting requirements could increase administrative costs for the Public Utility Commission without corresponding budget increases
  • Enforcement gaps: The bill assumes existing laws are sufficient but doesn't authorize new enforcement powers, potentially leaving documented compliance issues unaddressed
  • Scope limitations: The bill focuses on PUC compliance reporting but doesn't clarify whether it covers violations by out-of-state callers or establishes new penalties for non-compliance

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

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