The ‘Telephone Solicitation Act’ protects residents against unfair, unwarranted robocalls and phone scams
LANSING, Mich. (June 4, 2025) — Today, Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) introduced a bipartisan bill package to protect Michigan consumers from disruptive, deceptive telephone solicitation tactics. Known as the Telephone Solicitation Act, Senate Bills 351-355 would prohibit telephone solicitors from engaging in misleading, exploitative business practices and grant the Attorney General the authority to act against violators.
“Far too many of us know what it’s like to be bombarded with unsolicited robocalls that disrupt our busy lives. It’s well past time that we put a stop to these unjust, deceitful tactics that take advantage of Michigan consumers — especially our most vulnerable, including seniors and folks with disabilities,” said Sen. Cavanagh. “As Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection, I’m hopeful that we can get this important policy across the finish line to help make a real difference in the everyday lives of Michiganders who are tired of the constant disruption and deception of robocalls.”
With Michigan residents on the receiving end of over a billion robocalls every year, Senate Democrats collaborated with Attorney General Dana Nessel to develop legal parameters that safeguard consumers from unfair, malicious telephone solicitation tactics. Specifically, the Telephone Solicitation Act:
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Creates explicit rules that telephone solicitors must follow when making phone calls to better protect consumers, minimize disruptions, and improve transparency before a purchase is made;
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Keeps telephone solicitors from blocking caller ID or displaying misleading names, phone numbers, or area codes;
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Allows the Attorney General to investigate and bring civil action for alleged violations or noncompliance; and
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Subjects bad actors who target vulnerable residents to punishments and fines up to $75,000.
“People have experienced a tremendous surge in deceptive phone calls and scams, with over a billion robocalls flooding our phones each year,” said Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “It’s clear we need to empower consumers with the tools they need to protect themselves against these overwhelming and intrusive calls. This legislation will help us combat this growing problem of robocall scams and ensure a safer state for everyone.”
“Robocalls are incredibly annoying and, even worse, exploitive. Michiganders should not have to worry that they might be the next targets of evolving scams or a victim of potential fraud,” said Sen. Moss (D-Southfield). “We crafted this legislation to empower residents with the protection they need while equipping our Attorney General with essential legal tools to combat these deceptive practices.”
“Michigan residents deserve the freedom to go about their daily lives without having to worry about the nuisance of scam robocalls,” said Sen. Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville). “I’m glad that I could work with my colleagues across the aisle on this bipartisan legislation that improves consumer protections and safeguards our residents from malicious, unfair solicitations.”
“I was proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation that not only cracks down on scam robocalls but also equips the state government with the tools needed to enforce better consumer protections,” said Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Waucedah Twp.). “Let’s get this done and keep working together to improve everyday life for our residents.”
Senate Bills 351-355 have been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection, where they currently await further deliberation.
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